NSW Health is continuing to urge people to make sure they are vaccinated against measles, particularly prior to travel, after two young adults were infected whilst visiting the Philippines, where a large outbreak is currently occurring.
The two siblings who were unvaccinated, became unwell just prior to returning to Australia, and were infectious on their return flight from Singapore to Coolangatta (Gold Coast) International Airport (QLD). While infectious, the siblings spent time in a number of Northern NSW locations.
People in the same places at the same time as the two young adults, should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 22 April as it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear. The details of the exposure sites are provided in the map and table below.
Measles is a serious viral illness, spread easily through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Symptoms usually begin with a cough, runny nose, and/or conjunctivitis, as well as fever. This is followed 3 to 4 days later by a red, spotty, non-itchy rash which usually starts on the head and neck and moves down onto the trunk and limbs.
Two doses of measles vaccine provides lifelong protection to 99% of vaccinated people. NSW Health encourages all people born during or after 1966 to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine.
The measles vaccine is offered to children in Australia at 12 and 18 months of age, as part of the National Immunisation Schedule. The vaccine is available for free from GPs in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966, who does not have evidence of measles immunity. Selected pharmacies in NSW can also provide measles vaccine.
More information about measles is available below, or on the measles webpage.
Map created using Arc GIS Portal (Sources: Esri, OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA)
Friday 29 March to Saturday 30 March 2019
Scoot Flight TR6 from Singapore to Coolangatta Airport, departing Singapore on Friday (night) 29 March, arriving Coolangatta International Airport (QLD) at 8:10am on Saturday 30 March
Shops in Cabarita (NSW), including Woolworths
Shops in Pottsville (NSW), including IGA
Main Street Medical Centre, 140 Murwillumbah Street Murwillumbah (NSW)
The Tweed Hospital, Powell Street and Florence Street, Tweed Heads (NSW)
These sites pose no ongoing risk to the public.
The local Public Health Unit is working with the Hospital, and Medical Centre to directly contact patients present at the same tiem as the two young adults.