SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Measles warning for Sydneysiders

People in Sydney's inner and inner-western suburbs are being urged to look out for symptoms of measles and check they are vaccinated against the disease.

vaccination_B_Getty_1535413567
(Getty)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

NSW Health has warned people to be on the lookout for measles symptoms after three Sydney men fell ill with the infectious disease.

The men, aged between 25 and 35, may have been infected when they recently spent time in Sydney's inner suburbs, including Alexandria, Waterloo, Earlwood and Hurlstone Park.

They also visited medical centres in Rozelle, Croydon and Rockdale and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital emergency department while infectious in the past week.

NSW Health communicable diseases director Dr Vicky Sheppeard says measles is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised.

"Measles is highly infectious and is spread through coughing and sneezing," she said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes which usually last for several days before a red, blotchy rash appears."

Complications can range from ear infection and diarrhoea to pneumonia or swelling of the brain.

Dr Sheppeard warned parents of infants or others not fully vaccinated to watch for signs of measles.

"If symptoms develop, please phone ahead when seeking medical attention to ensure you don't share the waiting area with other patients," she said.

Children should receive two vaccine doses, one at 12 months and another at 18 months, while anyone born after 1966 should have two vaccine doses at least four weeks apart, she said.

NSW Health offers free measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for people up to 47 years old.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world