Measles warning for NSW residents

The seventh NSW resident in nine weeks has returned to Australia with measles, prompting a warning from health authorities.

NSW residents are again being warned to watch for measles symptoms after a seventh person in nine weeks brought the highly infectious disease into the state.

The infected resident flew into Sydney Airport from Bangkok on March 2 and ate lunch in the Marrickville area on March 5, according to NSW Health.

Director of Communicable Diseases Vicky Sheppeard warned that people who frequented the same areas and those who had not received two doses of measles vaccine were at particular risk.

She reminded people to ensure they were vaccinated, particularly when travelling overseas.

"Being vaccinated not only protects the traveller but it will also protect people the traveller encounters en route and when back in Australia," Dr Sheppeard said is a statement on Tuesday.

"Measles is highly contagious and can have serious complications, particularly for young children."

Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

People with symptoms are advised to stay home from work or school and seek medical help as soon as possible - calling ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital so they can minimise risk.


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Source: AAP


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