Measles Alert Issued for Northern NSW Residents

NSW Health has issued a measles alert for residents in northern NSW following confirmation of one measles case. The individual recently returned from Asia, where measles outbreaks have been ongoing, particularly in countries such as Pakistan and India. Those who may have been exposed to the virus are urged to monitor for symptoms.

Locations where exposure may have occurred include:

• The Singh Company school bus route in the Murwillumbah area on Monday, February 5th, for both morning and afternoon trips.
• Murwillumbah Hospital’s Emergency Department on Friday, February 9th, between 1:15 pm and 4:00 pm.
• Murwillumbah Hospital’s Emergency Department on Saturday, February 10th, between 12:15 pm and 8:00 pm.

Dr. Valerie Delpech, North Coast Regional Director of Population and Public Health, reassured the public that while these locations do not pose an ongoing risk, individuals who visited them should remain vigilant for symptoms.

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NSW Health has issued a measles alert for residents in northern NSW following confirmation of one measles case in Murwillumbah.

Measles symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head to the body. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and symptoms can appear between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Dr. Delpech emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice promptly if symptoms develop, urging individuals to call ahead to their GP or emergency department to avoid spreading the virus to others.

She stressed the significance of vaccination, noting that two doses of the measles vaccine are required for full protection, particularly for those born after 1966. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free of charge in NSW for individuals born during or after 1966 who haven’t received two doses.

Parents of children aged 6 to 12 months who plan to travel to high-risk measles areas are advised to consult their GP about the possibility of vaccinating their child before traveling. Additional doses of the vaccine are considered safe and are recommended if vaccination status is uncertain, especially before traveling.

MMR vaccine is accessible through GPs for all ages and pharmacies for individuals over 5 years old. Anyone experiencing measles symptoms or seeking further information is encouraged to contact their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For comprehensive information on measles, visit the NSW Health website.

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