Southern NSW Local Health District public warning on measles

The health district’s acting director of public health, Alison Nikitas, said measles is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised.

“Measles is highly infectious and is spread through coughing and sneezing,” Ms Nikitas said.

“Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes which usually last for several days before a red, blotchy rash appears.

“Complications can range from an ear infection and diarrhoea to pneumonia or swelling of the brain.”

She said that the person with the measles contagion had spent time in the community on January 6 this year, not knowing they had the disease, and while they were infectious.

“The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is typically around 10 days, but can be as long as 18 days,” Ms Nikitas said.

“There may be other cases in the community now or people developing symptoms over the next week.”

Ms Nikitas advised parents of infants, or people who did not have a full vaccination against measles, to be on the lookout for symptoms.

“Anyone with measles should not to go school, work or go out in public,” Ms Nikitas said.

“If you think you might be infected, you should see a doctor; but call ahead to make sure you don’t infect others at the doctor’s surgery.

“Measles is now a rare disease, but it is important to emphasise it is currently circulating in the community and that people who have not had two doses of vaccine may be at risk.

“We encourage anyone who has not previously been vaccinated to do so.

“Children should receive two doses of vaccine, one at 12 months and the second at 18 months.

“Anyone born after 1965 should have two doses of vaccine and at least four weeks apart.

“If you haven’t already been immunised, NSW Health offers a free MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine through GPs for people born after 1965.”