NSW Health is asking the community to be alert for the symptoms of measles after being notified of a second confirmed case of measles in Wagga Wagga.
The new case is linked to an earlier case acquired overseas and reported in February.
The new case was infectious in the community more than two weeks ago, so there may already be spread of measles that has not yet been detected.
People in the following Wagga Wagga locations may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms, which they may already be experiencing:
Tuesday 27 February:
Blowes Clothing, Baylis Street between 9am until 6pm
Sturt Mall including the food court between 1pm to 2pm
Wednesday 28 February:
Blowes Clothing, Baylis Street between 9am until 6pm
Tasty Tibetan Treats, Forsyth Street between 1pm to 2pm
Friday 1 March:
Blowes Clothing, Baylis Street between 9am until 6pm
Tasty Tibetan Treats, Forsyth Street between 12:45pm to 2pm
Saturday 2 March:
Blowes Clothing, Baylis Street between 9am until 2.30pm
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Anton Forsyth, said the symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
“Symptoms may appear between seven and 18 days after an exposure, so it’s important for people to stay vigilant, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr Forsyth said.
“NSW Health is also urging everyone to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccinations.
“If you were born in 1966 or after, you need to receive two doses of measles vaccine to be fully vaccinated.
“If you are unsure whether you have received two doses, it is best to get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe.
“It is particularly important to check your vaccinations are up to date before you travel as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Measles vaccine is given as the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine; it is free in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses and is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
MMR vaccine is included on the National Immunisation Program for children at 12 and 18 months of age. However, if your child is aged 6 to 12 months and you will soon be travelling overseas, consult your GP to discuss whether your child can receive their first dose of MMR vaccine prior to your travels.
People who have been overseas in the last 18 days should be on the alert for measles symptoms. And because of the high risk of travellers arriving with measles and unknowingly transmitting the infection in the community, everyone should be aware of the symptoms of measles.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
For more information on measles, you can view the NSW Health measles factsheet.
