Measles alert issued after traveller returns from Thailand, visits Sydney International Airport and hospital

A measles alert has been issued after an infected traveller returned from Thailand and visited several locations, including Sydney International Airport and a hospital emergency department. NSW Health confirmed the new case on November 12, bringing the state’s total number of measles infections to 58 so far this year. “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period,” Dr Isabel Hess said, Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Deputy Director. WATCH THE ABOVE VIDEO: Measles makes dangerous comeback in Australia The highly contagious disease can cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling), permanent disability, immune system damage, and in some cases death. NSW Health confirmed the infected person arrived at Sydney International Airport on Thai Airways flight TG475 from Bangkok about 9.10pm on Saturday November 7. They were in the airport’s arrivals terminal and baggage claim area between 9.10pm and 11pm. The person also visited the emergency department at Canterbury Hospital on Canterbury Road in Campsie the following day, November 8, between 3.35pm and 4.45pm. Anyone who was at these locations during the listed times is urged to monitor for symptoms. NSW Health said the locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

The symptoms to look out for Symptoms can include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. “If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,” Hess said. “Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.”

Pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and infants who visited an exposure location within the past six days are urged to contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055. Measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Hess reminded the community to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations. “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” she said. “This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.” The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses, as well as for children at 12 months and 18 months of age.