Health warnings as confirmed measles case visits popular Sydney spots

Sydney residents are being advised to closely monitor for measles symptoms after a confirmed case of measles visited several popular locations in the city. The case recently returned from Southeast Asia, where several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, are currently experiencing measles outbreaks. This highlights the importance of vigilance and preventative measures against the disease.

Although the following locations no longer pose an ongoing risk, the health department reminds the public who visited these locations on the following dates and times to closely monitor their health for measles symptoms. The specific locations and times are as follows:

February 14 (Friday): Eastgardens Westfield Shopping Centre (Kmart and Myer, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM; Ms Dumplings, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM); Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, Botany (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM). February 15 (Saturday): The Brothers Cafe, Darling Square (Haymarket) (1:00 PM to 2:30 PM); Eternity Cafe, Town Hall (2:15 PM to 3:45 PM); Queen Victoria Building (QVB) (3:15 PM to 4:00 PM); Myer, Sydney City (all floors, including the mother and baby room, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM); OPSM, 413 George Street (4:00 PM to 4:40 PM); Bunnings, Alexandria (5:30 PM to 6:30 PM). February 16 (Sunday): Eastgardens Westfield Shopping Centre (including the food court, Coles, Big W, Kmart, Target, and Priceline, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM). February 17 (Monday): Botany Road Doctors, Rosebery (Suite 3, 530 Botany Road, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM); Seasoning Thai Restaurant, Alexandria (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM). February 18 (Tuesday): Eastgardens Westfield Shopping Centre (including the food court, Coles, Big W, Target, Bakers Delight, and Kmart, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM). February 19 (Wednesday): Eastgardens Westfield Shopping Centre (including Big W, Target, and Kmart, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM; OPSM, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM). February 20 (Thursday): Botany Road Doctors, Rosebery (Suite 3, 530 Botany Road, 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM); Chemist Warehouse, Botany (3:30 PM to 4:10 PM); IGA Supermarket, Botany (3:45 PM to 4:30 PM).

Dr. Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, stated that symptoms typically appear 7 to 18 days after exposure to the measles virus. "Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and cough, usually followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head to the rest of the body," Dr. Selvey said. "Symptoms can appear between 7 and 18 days after exposure, so it's important to be vigilant if people have been exposed. If you develop symptoms, be sure to call your GP or emergency department ahead of time to ensure you do not sit in the waiting room with other patients."

Dr. Selvey added, "This should serve as a reminder for everyone to check if they have been vaccinated against measles, as it is highly contagious." Measles is a disease preventable by the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Program and is provided free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. Furthermore, it is free for any NSW resident born in 1966 or later who has not received two doses. NSW Health advises that people who are unsure if they have received two doses should get vaccinated, as extra doses are safe.