Unvaccinated primary student and backpacker catch measles in Sydney
An unvaccinated primary school student and backpacker have contracted measles in Sydney, prompting warnings for children at a school in the city's west and people in the CBD.
NSW Health is urging the public to be alert to the symptoms of measles, with the child and traveller bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 25 since December.
Parents of students at Bonnyrigg Heights Primary School have been told to watch for symptoms after an unvaccinated student was diagnosed with the highly-contagious condition.
"Students who haven't had two doses of measles vaccine should stay away from school until April 2," NSW Health advised.
Both the student and the backpacker were infected with measles in Sydney. The source of the infection is under investigation.
While infectious, the child visited:
- Russell's Barber Shop, Green Valley on March 14 between 11am and 12.30pm
- Edensor Road Family Medical Centre, Edensor Park on March 18 between 11am and 11.45am
- Fairfield Hospital Emergency Department on 18 March between 12.35pm and 1.45pm
The local Public Health Unit is contacting other patients who may have come into contact with the infectious child.
The backpacker, a man in his 20s, was infectious when he stayed at the Central Perk Backpacker's Hostel in Haymarket.
He is believed to have been vaccinated against measles as a child but the number of doses he had cannot be verified, according to NSW Health.
Local public health officers offered preventative measles injections to other hostel guests.
While infectious, the man visited:
- Coles World Square several times between March 9 and 18
- Other shops near the hostel and World Square between March 9 and 18
- St Vincent's Hospital Emergency Department, March 18 between 2.45pm and 3.30pm
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Vicky Sheppeard said the two cases highlight how easily measles can spread among unvaccinated people after the virus is imported from overseas.
Measles outbreaks in popular tourist destinations, particularly the Philippines, means the risk for measles being imported into Australia remains high, Dr Sheppeard said.
Less than three months into 2019, the number of measles cases in NSW has already reached a five-year high.
Out of the 25 people diagnosed with measles in NSW since December, 19 were infected while overseas. Seven of those had visited the Philippines.
While the places visited by the man and student pose no ongoing risk, people who may be susceptible to measles and were there at the same time should contact their local Public Health Unit (1300 066 055).
"Preventive injections can be given to highly-susceptible people up to six days after exposure to measles," Dr Sheppeard said.
It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure.
"If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients," Dr Sheppeard said.