NSW Health has issued an urgent measles warning after an infected man visited a number of popular hangouts in western Sydney this week.
The man, said to be in his thirties with an “uncertain vaccination history”, was infectious when he visited Westfield Parramatta on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, a McDonald’s restaurant in Blacktown on Sunday, and a 7-Eleven in Guildford on Sunday and Thursday.
He also spent time at a high school in Kellyville and a venue near Hyde Park in the CBD.
Anyone who visited the same locations at the same times should be alert for signs of measles until October 7, the alert said. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles,” Dr Sean Tobin, the NSW Health director of communicable diseases, said.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should arrange to see their GP and call ahead to ensure they don’t wait alongside other patients.”
Investigations are now underway into how the man became infected with the disease, but NSW Health believes it’s the second case of “locally acquired” measles in Sydney.
Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
“It should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles,” Dr Tobin said.
“Anyone born during or after 1966 should ensure they have had two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 vaccinated people.”
There have been more than 90 confirmed cases of measles in Australia alone this year.
LOCATIONS AND TIMES:
Sunday 15 September
- 9:20am to 9:50am: McDonald’s Blacktown
- 10:20 to 11:50am: Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark, Priceline, Collette Accessories, Napoleon, Myer, Woolworths and Boost Juice
- 12:45pm to 12.50pm: 7-Eleven Guildford
- 5:50pm to 6:00pm and around 11.00pm: Piccadilly Secure Car Park
- 6:00pm to 10:35pm: Doltone House, Hyde Park
Monday 14 September
- 3:50pm to 3:55pm: Outback Steakhouse, Wentworthville
- 3:55pm to 4:00pm: Caltex Petrol Station, Wentworthville,
Tuesday 17 September
- 8:00am to 8:05am: Caffe Cherry Beans, Kellyville
- 8:10am to 3:45pm: Kellyville High School
Wednesday 18 September
- 10:45am and 11:40am: Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark, Chemist Warehouse, Boost Juice, Woolworths and Myer
Thursday 19 September
- 6:40am to 6:50am: Kellyville High School
- 10:55am to 11:00am: 7-Eleven Guildford
- 3:50pm and 5:00pm: Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark and Woolworths