Urgent measles alert issued after positive measles case detected in western Sydney, Gold Coast in Qld

Health officials have issued a measles alert for two major Aussie cities after the highly infectious and deadly disease was detected from travellers in Sydney and the Gold Coast. The NSW government issued the alert after a person travelled from Vietnam to Greater Western Sydney and contracted the highly-infectious disease. While the person was not infectious while on the plane, NSW Health said anyone who visited Family Doctors Berala (co-located with Berala Pharmacy and 4 Cyte Pathology) on January 18 between 10am and 11.15am should monitor themselves and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise. Queensland Health has also issued a measles alert after a person travelled to the Gold Coast while unknowingly infectious. The person contracted the infectious disease while overseas and travelled to the Gold Coast via Qantas flight QF596 from Sydney Domestic Airport on January 17 between 8:03pm and arriving at 9:30pm. The infectious person also visited the Gold Coast Airport, between 9.30pm and 10.15pm. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that causes a fever, cough and a red, blotchy rash, and if left untreated can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, ear infections and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” South Western Sydney Local Health District director of public health, Dr Mitchell Smith, said. “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday February 5. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.” People born after 1965 have been urged to stay up to date with their vaccinations. “Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious<” Dr Smith said. “This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.” While measles can affect anybody, it is most commonly spread among children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. If you or someone you know is suspected of having measles should contact their GP as soon as possible.