Major measles alert issued for Sydney after infected traveller visits multiple locations in Potts Point, Darlinghurst, Sydney CBD

An urgent measles alert has been issued after a returned traveller visited multiple locations across inner Sydney while unknowingly infectious.

NSW Health urged people in Potts Point, Darlinghurst and the Sydney CBD to watch out for signs and symptoms of measles, following the confirmed case.

Between June 16 and 20 the person visited: Potts Point Laundry and Dry Cleaning; Original Backpackers Hostel; Terry Whites Chemart Kings Cross; Coles Central Kings Cross; Maryane Hair and Beaute; St Vincent’s Hospital ED; Savvy Hair Boutique and Kings Brew.

Health authorities urged people to check the NSW Health website for exposure locations and times and watch for symptoms.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Physician Anthea Katelaris said if symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website to seek medical attention.

“Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Katelaris said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.“

More than 50 measles cases have been confirmed in NSW this year.

Dr Katelaris urged people to make sure they were up to date with their vaccinations, which could prevent the disease.

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine,” she said.

“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”