Measles alert-December

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes and runny nose, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which begins on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body.

People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. NSW Health recommends calling ahead to the practice or emergency department to alert of them of your symptoms, so that measures can be taken to limit your exposure to others upon your arrival.

Symptoms usually begin to appear around 10 days after exposure to an infectious case, however the time from exposure to onset can be as long as 18 days, so people should be alert to symptoms until January 14 2019.

 

​Date	Location​​
Thursday 20 December ​	​Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney, in the morning Totti’s, 283 Bondi Road, Bondi, in the afternoon
Friday 21 December ​	The Workout Club, 171 William Street Darlinghurst 8:00am-9:00am Australian Golf Club, 53 Bannerman Crescent, Roseberry 11:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 22 December​​	​Holy Duck, 10/2 Kensington Street, Chippendale in the evening
Sunday 23 December​​	​David Jones, Elizabeth Street Sydney CBD Kid Stuff 9/250 Pitt Street Sydney CBD Mid afternoon
Monday 24 December​	​St Vincent’s Emergency Department, 390 Victoria Street Darlinghurst, in the evening until Christmas morning
​Thursday 27 December	​St Vincent’s Emergency Department, 390 Victoria Street Darlinghurst, in the afternoon and evening

 

People are at risk of measles if they are exposed to an infectious case, and have never had measles, or have not received two doses of measles containing vaccine. Two doses of measles containing vaccine provide lifelong protection against infection in 99 percent of people. Most people born before 1966 are assumed to be immune to measles.

In Australia measles containing vaccine is given to children at 12 months of age as measles mumps rubella (MMR) and 18 months of age as measles mumps rubella varicella (MMRV).

Anyone in NSW, born after 1966, who has not received two doses of measles containing vaccine can visit their GP for free MMR vaccine. People born between 1966 and 1994 should not assume they have received two doses of vaccine as changes to the vaccination schedule over time mean they may have only received one dose. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses can safely receive another dose.

Travellers, are encouraged to discuss their travel plans with their GP to ensure that they are protected against preventable diseases such as measles prior to travel. While measles is rare in Australia, it remains endemic in many countries including most of southern and south east Asia, and large outbreaks are currently occurring in Europe and parts of South America.

People travelling with children under the age of 12 months should discuss travel plans with their doctor, as the first dose of the vaccine can be given as early as 9 months of age, if the child is travelling to an area where measles is endemic, or outbreaks are occurring.

For more information see the measles webpage