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Fears of measles outbreak in Sydney

Fears have been raised by NSW Health of a measles outbreak after four cases have been reported in Sydney since early December.

A stethoscope
Sydney residents are being urged to watch for symptoms of measles after four cases were reported. (AAP)

Sydney residents are being urged to watch for symptoms of measles after four cases have been reported in the city in December.

The most recent case, a known contact of an earlier case, visited numerous locations around Leichhardt, Pyrmont and Neutral Bay, and used inner west public transport from December 23-24 while infectious.

NSW Health acting director of communicable diseases Sean Tobin said the cases highlight the importance of getting vaccinated.

"A highly effective measles vaccine has been freely available for many years and it is vital for everyone, including adults and children, to have two doses of the measles vaccine during their lifetime," Dr Tobin said on Wednesday.

"Those people who have not received two doses of measles vaccine should be alert to the symptoms of measles in the coming days and weeks as the measles cases have moved in many parts of Sydney."

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The four people with measles reported since early December had spent a significant amount of time in the Sydney metropolitan area while infectious.

Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough, followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash.

"Children or adults born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of measles vaccine, or evidence of previous measles infection, are likely to be susceptible to measles and should be vaccinated as soon as possible," Dr Tobin said.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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