Western Sydney health alert after baby diagnosed with measles

A baby infected with measles has sparked a health alert in western Sydney after going to a Wiggles concert as well as numerous other venues in the area.

The baby is too young to be vaccinated for the highly infectious virus and NSW Health is investigating how the child was exposed to the disease.

Early symptoms of measles include coughing, a runny nose and sore, red eyes, possibly followed by a rash.Credit: AP

It is not believed to be linked to another case diagnosed last month in another child who had spent time in western Sydney after acquiring the illness in India.

The baby attended The Wiggles concert in Campbelltown as well as a swim centre in Jamisontown.

NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Disease Christine Selvey says parents who visited these areas with their children should be alert for symptoms.

Early symptoms of measles include coughing, a runny nose and sore, red eyes. A red, blotchy rash can appear three to four days later.

Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, and anyone who thinks their child may have contracted measles should call a GP for a test.

“Measles is a highly contagious infection, and the most vulnerable are infants under 12 months, who are too young to be vaccinated against it,” Dr Selvey said.

Everyone born in or after 1966 should check that they have had two doses of the vaccine.

NSW Health warns people may have been exposed to the case at the following locations and should monitor for symptoms:

Dunn & Farrugia Fencing And Gates, Jamisontown

• Thursday March 23 from 10am to midday and from 1.30pm to 4pm
• Friday March 24 from midday to 5pm
• Wednesday March 29 from 11.30am to 1.30pm
• Thursday March 30 from 9.30am to 11.30am

 Womra Crescent GP Surgery, Glenmore Park

• Wednesday March 29 from 10am to 11.30am
• Friday March 31 from 11am to 12.30pm

Nepean Village Shopping Centre, Penrith, including Coles Supermarket

• Thursday March 23 to Sunday April 2

The Dive In Swimming Academy, Jamisontown

• Friday March 24 from 10.45am to midday

Penrith Westfield

• Friday March 24 from 11.45am to 2pm

Kickin’ Inn Penrith, Jamisontown

• Friday March 24 from 8pm to 10pm

Chemist Warehouse, Penrith HomeMaker Centre, Jamisontown

• Saturday March 25 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Macarthur Square, Macarthur

• Monday March 27 from 9.30am to 1pm

HomeCo Glenmore Park Town Centre, Coles and MediAdvice Pharmacy

• Wednesday March 29 from 11am to midday

The Wiggles Concert, Campbelltown Convention Entertainment Centre

• Thursday March 30 from 1.30pm to 5pm

Bunnings, Penrith

• Friday March 31 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm

AAP

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