MID North Coast residents are being urged to monitor for the symptoms of measles after NSW Health confirmed four new cases across the state, including one in Coffs Harbour.
That person was infectious while visiting the following locations.
Sunday, 8 February: Hyde Café at Bellingen from 10.45am to 11.40am.
Monday, 9 February: Coffs Harbour Emergency Department from 6am to 5pm.
Tuesday, 10 February: Toormina Woolworths, from 7.45am to 8.40am; Toormina Road Vet Clinic, from 9.30am to 11am; Coles in Earl Street, Coffs Harbour from 1.40pm to 2.30pm.
The locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Director of Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.
These can take up to 18 days to appear after an exposure.
Measles is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
It is a vaccine preventable disease.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations,” Dr Delpech said.
“The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas.
Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW, said there have been 14 confirmed measles cases in NSW since 1 January.
Of the four recent cases, three were acquired in NSW, while the fourth case involves a returned traveller from South East Asia where outbreaks are ongoing.
“People should be alert. If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations… see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department.
“Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.”
A regularly updated list of exposure locations and times is available on the NSW Health website at health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx.
NSW Health urges people who are unsure of their vaccination status to speak with their GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
By Sis HIGGINS
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