A public health alert has been issued for Western NSW as four new measles cases have been detected in the region. This comes after a series of alerts around Sydney Airport and other city locations. With the highly contagious nature of the virus, it's crucial to understand the risks and take preventive measures.
Measles is a viral illness that can lead to severe complications or even death in vulnerable individuals. Young children, unborn babies, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Unvaccinated individuals can also become severely ill.
The disease is strictly notifiable in NSW and is considered an urgent public health risk. Medical professionals and laboratories are required to immediately notify the local Public Health Unit upon suspicion of a case, without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. Anyone with early symptoms who develops a rash a few days later should consider measles and seek testing. It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough. It is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world. The MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, visit the NSW Health website or the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website. If you or a loved one is experiencing measles symptoms, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
