NSW Health has issued a measles alert following the visit of an infectious individual to various locations at Sydney Airport and in western New South Wales. The person, who recently returned from Southeast Asia, where countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks, poses a risk to those who might have come into contact with them.
Measles spreads easily through the air, particularly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Authorities are urging anyone who was aboard specific flights or in particular locations during the exposure period to monitor for symptoms. Affected locations include Jetstar Flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in Sydney on March 19, and various sites in Parkes, including Ochre Medical Centre and the Parkes Health Service Emergency Department, on the dates specified.
Dr Victor Carey, a Public Health Physician with the Western NSW Local Health District, reassured that these locations do not represent a continuous risk. He advises the public to watch for symptoms typical of measles: fever, red, watery eyes, runny nose, and a cough, followed by a distinctive rash that usually appears three to four days later. Symptoms may take up to 18 days to manifest, so individuals who visited these locations should remain vigilant until April 11, 2025.
For anyone exhibiting symptoms, Carey’s recommendation is to contact their GP or emergency department before arriving to reduce the risk of infecting others in waiting areas. He emphasised the importance of vaccinations, urging individuals to ensure they are up-to-date. The measles vaccine can effectively prevent the disease even after exposure if administered promptly.
This situation serves as a critical reminder for the community to verify their vaccination status, especially given the current outbreaks around the globe. Those born after 1965 should confirm they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, particularly if planning to travel internationally, as measles remains highly contagious.