NSW Health is warning people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, after three infectious cases have been notified in the Christmas-New Year period.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes and runny nose, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which begins on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body.
People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. NSW Health recommends calling ahead to the practice or emergency department to alert of them of your symptoms, so that measures can be taken to limit your exposure to others upon your arrival.
Symptoms usually begin to appear around 10 days after exposure to an infectious case, however the time from exposure to onset can be as long as 18 days.
Update 3 January 2019
A child visiting from overseas developed measles symptoms while visiting NSW on Christmas Eve. Prior to being diagnosed with measles and isolated the child visited the several locations. People who were at these locations at the same time as the child may be at risk of developing measles up to January 18:
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday 27 December | Chatswood Medical and Dental Centre, 7 – 8pm |
| Thursday 27 December | Chatswood Mall, including Chemist Warehouse, late afternoon |
| Friday 28 December | Oakvale Winery, Pokolbin, 5 – 6pm |
| Saturday 29 December | Dinner at Bimbadgen Winery, Pokolbin, 6:30 – 8pm |
| Sunday 30 December | Chatswood Medical and Dental Centre, 3-4pm |
| Monday 31 December- New Year’s Day | Royal North Shore Emergency Department, 11pm – 1am |
