Health alert issued on Christmas Eve after second measles case visits multiple locations across NSW
A measles alert has been issued in NSW on Christmas Eve after a confirmed case visited multiple locations across the state.
The individual had recently returned from Southeast Asia, where several countries are currently experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks, according to NSW Health.
Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Jeremy McAnulty advised that people who were at the same locations as the confirmed case during the exposure period should monitor themselves for symptoms.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Symptoms to watch out for 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,” McAnulty said.
He added that since it could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, anyone who visited the identified locations should remain vigilant for symptoms until January 5.
The confirmed case visited the following locations:
Monday December 16:
- Byron Bay Beach, between 9.00am and 12.00pm
- United Petroleum, 2910 Pacific Highway, Mullaway
- Coffs Central Shopping Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
- Woolworths, 7 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, between 4.40 and 5.15pm
- Wingham Riverside Reserve camping site, from 5.30pm
Tuesday December 17:
- Newcastle Bogey Hole pool
- The Grand Hotel, 32 Church St, Newcastle
- Woolworths, 23 Steel St, Newcastle West
- McDonalds Liverpool Mega Centre, Orange Grove Rd, Liverpool
- BP Truck stop, 155 Pennant Hills Rd, Normanhurst
- Bungonia Campground, Bungonia Access Rd, Bungonia, from 5.00pm
Wednesday 18 December:
- Coles Express, corner of Mount St and Middle St, Gundagai
Just four days ago, another measles alert was issued after a European traveller arrived in Australia from Vietnam and visited multiple locations across inner Sydney while infectious.
McAnulty urged people to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, as measles is “highly infectious”.
NSW Health also recommends that anyone planning to travel confirm they are current with all vaccinations, including the measles vaccine.
Originally published on 7NEWS
