NSW Health has issued a measles alert for the Northern Beaches following confirmation of an infectious case in the area.
The confirmed case was a close contact of a recently reported measles case in the area, according to a media release issued today (Thursday).
Health authorities are urging people who attended specific locations at designated times to monitor for symptoms.
The exposure sites include Dee Why Discount Vitamins on Pittwater Road on Thursday, September 25 from 11:00am to 11:30am, Twist Espresso & Wine on Howard Avenue in Dee Why on the same day from 11:20am to 12:30pm, Chemist Warehouse Dee Why on Howard Avenue from 12:00pm to 12:40pm, and Woolworths Dee Why on Howard Avenue from 12:15pm to 1:30pm. Additionally, Mex & Co Manly on S Steyne was listed as an exposure site on Saturday, September 27 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
People who visited these locations at the specified times should monitor for symptoms until Monday, October 13, or in the case of Mex & Co Manly, until Wednesday, October 15.
Northern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Michael Staff, explained that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough, followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body. It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, making it crucial for people who visited the listed locations to remain vigilant throughout the monitoring period.
Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to notify them of potential measles exposure, ensuring they do not spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.
Dr Staff emphasised the importance of up-to-date vaccinations, noting that the measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure if given early enough. He also reminded the community that measles is highly infectious.
Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine, which is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions of the world.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is provided free for children at 12 and 18 months of age in NSW. It is also free for anyone born in 1966 or after who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under 12 months can receive their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are traveling to areas with a high risk for measles, though parents should discuss this with their GP.
People unsure whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe and particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for people over 5 years of age.
For more information on current measles exposure locations, the public can visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/measleslocations. Information on measles is available in the measles factsheet here.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms or with questions about the disease should call their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.