Warning amid ‘unknown’ source of measles infection in Sydney

Health authorities have warned Sydneysiders could be unknowingly exposed to measles after someone contracted the contagious disease without any known source of infection.

NSW Health has confirmed someone has become infected with measles despite not attending any exposure sites and not knowingly coming into contact with anyone with measles.

The health body has warned others may have been exposed to measles without realising.

“With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to measles,” the health alert states.

The fresh infection comes a week after a measles alert for Sydney Airport, the Oasis concert, the city, and the Jelly Roll concert in Brisbane was issued.

Those who attended the Oasis concert at Accor Stadium on November 8 or visited Sydney Airport, the CBD, areas in the inner west, and trains at various times between November 8 and 10 were warned to monitor for symptoms, with a full list of times and locations on the NSW Health website.

South Western Sydney Local Health District director of public health Mitchell Smith said it could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following an exposure.

He emphasised the importance of staying vigilant should someone develop symptoms, urging them to call ahead to GPs and emergency departments to make sure they don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.

“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,” Dr Smith said.

He urged people to check they were up to date with vaccinations.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious,” he said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

He said the vaccine was safe, effective, and also free for children at 12 and 18 months of age, as well as for anyone in NSW born after 1965 who has not had two doses.

“Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP,” he said.

“People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over five years of age).”