Health alert has been issued in Sydney after an infectious measles patient visited several spots across the city

Health authorities are on alert after an infectious measles patient visited a cafe and emergency department.

NSW Health has issued a warning after an infectious measles patient visited a cafe and emergency department in Sydney.

The infectious person, who recently returned from measles hotspot Vietnam, visited Sir Reuben cafe in Rozelle and the Concord Hospital Emergency Department.

Authorities have warned anyone who visited the cafe between 12pm and 1pm on Sunday, June 22 and anyone who attended the emergency department between 10.35pm and 3.10am on Saturday, June 28 to be on alert for any symptoms.

There is no ongoing risk at the two locations.

Anyone who visited the two locations at the same time as the infected person have been urged to monitor symptoms. Picture: NewsWire / Dylan K Coker

Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health Dr Leena Gupta urged people to be on alert.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Gupta said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 18 July.”

She said that anyone who develops symptoms should call their GP or emergency department before attending to ensure they do not spread the disease to other patients while waiting.

Measles cases have been on the rise across the nation. Picture: NewsWire / Dylan K Coker

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Gupta said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Measles cases have been popping up across the country, with Australia recording its highest number of cases in six years.

Originally published as Health alert has been issued in Sydney after an infectious measles patient visited several spots across the city