Sydney bar, servo on alert after confirmed measles case

Patrons of a popular bar have been urged to be on the lookout for symptoms of a potentially deadly viral infection.

NSW Health is urging patrons of a popular bar in Sydney’s Inner West to be on the look out for symptoms of measles after a recently returned traveller visited multiple venues while infected.

Anyone who visited Philter Brewing Public Bar in Marrickville between 6.30pm and 10pm on November 7 was being warned to monitor for symptoms after a single confirmed case of measles.

The case recently returned from southeast Asia where there are several ongoing outbreaks, and also visited Metro Petroleum on Enmore Rd in Enmore between 6.15am-7am on the same day.

The confirmed also visited the Marrickville Medical Centre on Marrickville Rd on November 10 between 9.15-11am, with all three locations in Sydney’s busy Inner West subject to the alert.

Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health Dr Isabel Hess while the locations posed no ongoing risk, anyone who visited during the subject hours could be at risk.

“Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” he said.

Patrons of a popular bar have been urged to be on the lookout for symptoms of measles.

“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 November 28, 2024.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should call their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

Measles is a viral infection that causes fever and a distinctive rash. Highly contagious, it can be spread through droplets through coughing and sneezing in close contact with other people.

While it can be deadly and debilitating, measles is also highly preventable with multiple rounds of vaccines. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is given to children from 12 months.

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

The vaccine is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.

It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.

Originally published as Sydney bar, servo on alert after confirmed measles case