NSW measles epidemic spreads

4 Oct 2012, 1:25 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Spread by coughing and sneezing, measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases. (AAP)

Spread by coughing and sneezing, measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases. (AAP)

Special immunisation clinics have been set up in Sydney's southwest as NSW's worst measles epidemic in 14 years spreads to the Illawarra.

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NSW is experiencing its worst measles epidemic in 14 years, prompting health experts to urge people to ensure they are vaccinated against the highly infectious disease.

A total of 145 cases have been reported state-wide this year, including 54 cases diagnosed in the last month, NSW Health says.

The state's single largest measles outbreak in more than a decade has spread to the Illawarra region of Sydney after initially being confined to the city's south and southwest, the department's Health Protection Director, Jeremy McAnulty, said on Thursday.

He urged people to protect themselves and take advantage of free vaccine clinics open in Sydney's southwest until the weekend.

"While measles vaccine is free from your GP, we are hoping that the special clinics will encourage people who haven't been vaccinated to do so now," Mr McAnulty said in a statement.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Brian Owler urged parents to ensure their children were vaccinated.

"It's easy to forget that in decades past, measles and its complications led to the deaths of hundreds of Australians, it was once more deadly than polio," Associate Professor Owler said in a statement.

The health officials are urging anyone aged between one and 47 to visit the clinics if there is any doubt they have not had two measles shots.

The clinics will be run at the Campbelltown Catholic Club from Thursday to Saturday.

Spread by coughing and sneezing, measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases.

Symptoms include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore eyes followed by a blotchy red rash.

Measles can result in complications ranging from ear infections and diarrhoea to pneumonia or swelling of the brain.

It can be a severe illness in otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults.

Residents of Queensland and Victoria have also fallen victim to the disease.

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