Urgent health alert issued as an unvaccinated primary school student and a backpacker catch the deadly measles virus
- A young girl believed to be under 12 who is unvaccinated contracted measles
- A male backpacker in his 20s has also been struck down by the deadly virus
- Case brings the number of people in NSW affected by measles to 25 this year
An unvaccinated primary school student and male backpacker have contracted the deadly measles virus causing NSW Health to issue an alert.
The young girl attends Bonnyrigg Heights Primary School, 37km west of Sydney's CBD, and the man is believed to be in his 20s and had been staying at the Central Perk Backpackers hostel in Haymarket.
Doctors confirmed the pupil was not vaccinated at the time she contracted measles and the man was immunised as a child, The Daily Telegraph reported.
An unvaccinated primary school student and male backpacker have contracted the deadly measles virus causing NSW Health to issue an alert to all schools
Officials from the state's health department are urging all parents of school-aged children and the broader public to be vigilant when looking for symptoms of the highly infectious disease.
'Students who haven't had two doses of the measles vaccine should stay away from school until April 2,' a statement said.
While Sydney health officials begin contacting people the girl might have been in contact with in the last seven days, they have also released details about her movements during that time.
She visited Russel's Barber Shop on Wilson Rd in Green Valley between 11am and 12.30pm last Thursday.
Four days later the girl walking into the Edensor Road Family Medical Centre, in Edensor Park, between 11am and 11.45am.
Once she was diagnosed with the virus, which presents itself as red spots all over the body, she was rushed to the emergency department of Fairfield Hospital, where she stayed from 12.35pm to 1.45pm.
Anyone who has come into contact with her at the medical centre or hospital should watch for potential signs they also have the disease.
Guests at the hostel the male backpacker stayed at have been given 'preventative injections' and advice if they present symptoms.
The man moved around Sydney's CBD while he was infected.
Guests at the hostel the male backpacker stayed at have been given 'preventative injections' and advice if they present symptoms
Between March 9 and 18 he visited World Square shopping centre, on George Street, and more specifically the Coles supermarket there.
He also walked through a variety of shops surrounding the centre.
The man went through the emergency department at St Vincent's Hospital, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, on March 18, between 2.45pm and 3.30pm where he sought medical treatment.
NSW Health communicable diseases director Dr Vicky Sheppeard reminded the broader public about the importance of being vaccinated in a further statement.
'These two cases highlight how easily the measles virus can spread among unvaccinated people following importation of the disease from overseas,' she said.
The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is free for any person born during or after 1966 who hasn't already had the necessary two doses.
It's safe to have another if you're not sure.
This case will bring the number of people in NSW affected by measles to 25 since December last year, with 19 of those cases brought from overseas.
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