Measles alert

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE residents are being asked to be alert for the signs and symptoms of measles and to get vaccinated if not up to date, following the notification of a case nearby.

It is likely the case acquired their infection whilst travelling in Bali, where a high number of cases have occurred in recent months. The case visited several locations in NSW while infectious, and contact tracing of potential high-risk persons is underway.

Northern NSW Population and Public Health Directorate Acting Director Dr Valerie Delpech said anyone who was in the same locations as the cases should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until September 18, and check their vaccination status.

People may have been exposed to the case in the following locations: Coffs Harbour University football field, AFL North Coast under 10 competition on Sunday, July 30, between 9am to 10am; Woolgoolga AFL sports field, AFL North Coast under 12 competition on Sunday, July 30, between 11am to 12pm; and a hazard reduction burn at Minnie Water Road, Minnie Water on Monday, July 31, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

“These locations do not pose an ongoing risk to people,” Dr Delpech said.

Anyone born in or after 1966 who has not received two doses of measles vaccine should get a measles vaccine to prevent the infection.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” Dr Delpech said.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses.

“If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s quite safe to have another.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and some pharmacies (people 12 years of age and over).

“Children should receive the MMR vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age, as part of their routine childhood immunisations.

“Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, including adults, and people with a weakened immune system.”

Dr Delpech said symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that typically spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is really important to stay vigilant if you’ve been in the above locations,” she said.

“If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

People returning from recent overseas travel should be alert for symptoms.

For more information on measles please visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ Measles_Factsheet.aspx