Western, Northern Sydney on alert amid surge in measles cases

Sydneysiders are on high alert after another case of measles was confirmed in the city.

NSW Health is urging people in the city’s north and west to be alert for signs and symptoms of the highly infectious disease, warning the latest confirmed case was acquired locally.

The person did not have known contact with any other measles cases and had not attended any exposure sites, authorities say.

The person visited several locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.

NSW Health says it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community and that other people may have been unknowingly exposed to the virus.

Measles is airborne and highly infectious, and is spread when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.

In extreme cases, particularly among children and vulnerable people, it can lead to death.

As of Friday, the state had confirmed 27 cases of the disease and 84 exposure sites since January 1, with warnings there is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW.

Health authorities have linked the recent surge in cases to overseas travel, particularly to Southeast Asia.

South Western Sydney local health district public health unit director Stephen Conaty said the measles vaccine could prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Conaty said.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms in this period.”

A full list of exposure locations is available on the NSW Health website. Authorities say these locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

The NSW government has launched a personalised childhood vaccination schedule tool for parents to keep track of vaccinations.

Health Minister Ryan Park said it was important for parents to be aware and proactive with their children’s vaccination schedules.

The move follows rising reported cases across the country.