Measles alert in the Mid North Coast after four new cases confirmed statewide
Residents of the Mid North Coast are urged to stay vigilant for measles symptoms now that NSW Health has confirmed four new cases across the state, including one in Coffs Harbour.
The infected individual was contagious while at the following locations:
- Sunday, 8 February: Hyde Café, Bellingen, 10:45 am–11:40 am
- Monday, 9 February: Coffs Harbour Emergency Department, 6:00 am–5:00 pm
- Tuesday, 10 February: Toormina Woolworths, 7:45 am–8:40 am; Toormina Road Vet Clinic, 9:30 am–11:00 am; Coles, Earl Street, Coffs Harbour, 1:40 pm–2:30 pm
These sites do not continue to pose an ongoing risk after the exposure window.
Dr Valerie Delpech, Director of Public Health for the Mid North Coast Local Health District, advised that anyone who visited these locations at the specified times should monitor for symptoms. Measles can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Measles is vaccine-preventable, and keeping up to date with vaccinations is important. “The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure if given early enough,” Dr Delpech said. “Anyone born after 1965 should have two doses of the measles vaccine. This is particularly crucial before overseas travel, as outbreaks are occurring in multiple regions worldwide.”
The measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine is free and routinely given to children at 12 and 18 months. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not yet completed two doses. Children under 12 months can receive a dose of MMR if traveling overseas, starting at six months of age.
Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW, noted there have been 14 confirmed measles cases in NSW since 1 January. Of the four recent cases, three were locally acquired in NSW, while the fourth involved a return traveler from South East Asia where measles outbreaks are ongoing.
If you develop symptoms and have visited one of the exposure locations, seek medical care promptly. Call ahead to inform the clinic or emergency department that you may have been exposed to measles to avoid waiting with other patients.
Watch for symptoms such as fever, runny nose, red eyes, and cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward over the next few days.
An up-to-date list of exposure locations and times is available on the NSW Health website at health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx.
If you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your GP or healthdirect at 1800 022 222 for guidance.
By Sis Higgins
