Measles Outbreak Hits Sydney

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Health authorities have issued a warning to residents of Sydney to stay alert for symptoms of measles after an infected individual visited several places in the city over the last seven days. The traveller had returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

The measles case has sparked concerns among health officials, who are urging people to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is included on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children at 12 and 18 months of age, and it is also free in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses are still encouraged to get the shot as additional doses are safe. The vaccine is available from general practitioners for everyone and at pharmacies for people over five years of age.

People who attended certain locations in Sydney on specific dates are warned to watch for symptoms, including Westfield Eastgardens, Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, The Brothers Cafe, Eternity Cafe, Queen Victoria Building, Myer Sydney City, and several other locations. The outbreak has highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, and health officials are urging overseas travellers to check they are up to date with two doses of the vaccine. Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of the vaccine up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles.

A list of locations and dates where the infected individual was present includes: * Friday 14 February: Westfield Eastgardens, Sir Joseph Banks Hotel * Saturday 15 February: The Brothers Cafe, Eternity Cafe, Queen Victoria Building, Myer Sydney City * Sunday 16 February: Westfield Eastgardens * Monday 17 February: Botany Road Doctors, Seasoning Thai * Tuesday 18 February: Westfield Eastgardens * Wednesday 19 February: Westfield Eastgardens, OPSM * Thursday 20 February: Botany Road Doctors, Chemist Warehouse, IGA

The World Health Organisation says that being vaccinated is an effective way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people, and estimates that measles vaccination has averted more than 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023. As the situation continues to unfold, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.