Western Sydney measles alert

The infant is too young to be vaccinated against measles and has never been abroad. Investigations are underway to determine where infants were exposed to measles.

At this early stage of investigation, there are no known links Recent measles cases in western Sydney Infants infected while in India before returning to Sydney.

People may have been exposed to cases in the following locations and should be monitored for symptoms:

• Dunn & Farrugia Fencing and Gates44 Preston Street, Jamisontown:
  
  • Thursday, March 23, 10am-noon, 1:30pm-4pm
  • Friday, March 24, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Womra Crescent GP Surgery49 Wormla Crescent Glenmore Park
  • Wednesday, March 29, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, March 31 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

• Nepean Village Shopping CenterWoodriff St, Penrith including Coles Supermarket.
  • March 23 (Thursday) – April 2 (Sunday)

• Friday, March 24, 10:45 am to 12:00 pm dive-in swimming academy122 Blaikie Rd, Jamisontown
• Friday, March 24, 11:45 am to 2:00 pm penrith westfield585 High St, Penrith
• Friday, March 24, 8-10pm Kickin’ in Penrith261 Mulgoa Road, Jamisontown
• Saturday, March 25, 3:30pm to 4:30pm chemist warehousePenrith HomeMaker Centre, Shop 230 SupaCentre 13 – 23 Pattys Place, Jamisontown
• Monday, March 27, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm MacArthur Square200 Gilchrist Drive, MacArthur
• Wednesday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. HomeCo Glenmore Park Town Centre, Coles and MediAdvice Pharmacy
• Thursday, March 30, 1:30-5:00pm Wiggles concert at The CubeCampbeltown Convention and Entertainment Center, 20-22 Camden Road, Campbeltown
• Friday, March 31, 12:30pm – 1:30pm Bannings Penrith2745 Wolseley Street, Penrith.

Dr Kristin Selvay, Director of Communicable Diseases for New South Wales Health, urged parents and their children attending these venues to be aware of the early symptoms of measles.

Measles begins with a fever with a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. After 3 to 4 days, a red, patchy rash appears. Anyone who thinks they or their child may have measles should isolate and go to a general practitioner for testing.

“Symptoms can take up to 18 days after exposure, so it is very important to be vigilant if you have been to any of the above places. If you or your child develop symptoms, If you do, call your GP ahead of time to make sure you don’t spend time with other patients in the waiting room,” said Dr. Selvey.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease, the most vulnerable are infants under 12 months, too young to be vaccinated, and other members of the community fully vaccinated. People who have not received it and have weakened immune systems.

“This is the second recent case in Western Sydney and underscores the importance of parents getting their children vaccinated against measles as soon as they turn one.”

Dr Selvey expects more cases of measles in NSW due to large outbreaks of measles in several countries abroad.

“Because of measles in the community, everyone born after 1966 should make sure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine. Get vaccinated,” said Dr. Selby.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective protection against measles. Free for those born in 1966 or later who have not yet had his second dose. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should be vaccinated because a booster dose is safe. The MMR vaccine is available at your GP or pharmacy.

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

If you or a loved one is experiencing measles symptoms or have questions about measles, call Healthdirect at 1800 022 222.