Health authorities in NSW and Queensland have raised concerns about measles following the identification of a case of the infectious illness in Western Sydney and at Gold Coast Airport.
NSW Health said a person had arrived in Sydney on a flight from Vietnam, which is currently experiencing a measles outbreak.
Even though the individual was not contagious during the flight, NSW Health advised that individuals who were present in the same locations as the infected person should remain vigilant for any symptoms.
Gold Coast Health said the case had also been acquired overseas but did not specify in what country.
Measles is highly infectious and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing.
It causes fevers, coughing, runny noses, and a red spotty rash and sore eyes a few days later.
The typical timeframe for symptoms to manifest after exposure to a person with measles is approximately 7 to 10 days, however, symptoms may appear up to 18 days post-exposure.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious,” South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to make sure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Health officials stressed that vaccination against measles is the most effective way for the community to protect themselves from measles.
