A measles alert has been issued for the Central West region, with Western NSW Health Local Health District urging residents to be vigilant for symptoms after a confirmed case was identified. The individual was infectious while visiting a location in the Central West, and recently returned from South East Asia, where measles outbreaks are currently rampant.
If you were at the following location in Bathurst on Thursday, February 5th, between 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm, you should monitor for symptoms until Monday, February 23rd. While Western NSW Health assures that this location does not pose an ongoing risk, it's crucial to remain cautious.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sore eyes
- Cough
These symptoms are typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body, three or four days later. If you develop any of these symptoms, even if you haven't visited the identified location, it's essential to seek testing.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. Anyone born after 1965 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine. This is particularly important for those planning international travel, as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions worldwide.
The MMR vaccine is both safe and effective, and is provided free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also available free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't received two doses. Children under 12 months can receive a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are traveling overseas, but parents should consult their GP first.
If you are unsure if you have received two doses of the vaccine, it is safe to get an additional dose, especially before traveling. The MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, visit the NSW Health website or the Australian Government Smart Traveller website. If you or a loved one is experiencing measles symptoms or has questions, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
