People who have visited the Dubbo region in the past 10 days are being advised to watch out for symptoms of measles after a 22-year-old man was diagnosed with the highly-contagious disease.
The man, who is unvaccinated, was diagnosed in Dubbo after returning from three weeks in New Zealand.
His case is the 37th notification of measles in NSW since Christmas.
People who were at the following locations during these times should be on alert for measles symptoms until at least May 6, 2019, and call ahead to their GP before arriving:
Thursday, April 11
- Dubbo Mid State Caravan Park from 6pm
- Dubbo Western Plain Medical Centre, (62 Windsor Parade, Dubbo) 11:35am to 1:15pm
Saturday, April 13
- Dubbo Western Plains Medical Centre 3pm to 3:35pm
- Dubbo Emergency Department 3:35 pm to approximately 7:24 pm
Tuesday, April 16
- Dubbo Emergency Department 6pm to approximately 10:05 pm
Wednesday, April 17
- Dubbo Western Plains Medical Centre 8:40am to 11:30 am
- Dubbo Emergency Department (from 9:20am)
Measles symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.
WNSWLHD Public Health Manager, Priscilla Stanley, said attempts were being made to contact people who may have been in the same location as the man while he was infectious.
“There is no public health risk at those locations now however, people who were there at the time and who have not had two doses of measles vaccine should keep an eye for symptoms,” Ms Stanley said.
“If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is quite safe to have another dose and the MMR vaccine is free via GPs for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t had two doses.
“Two doses of measles vaccine usually provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated and again, we urge anyone who is travelling overseas to please ensure they get their jabs.”
Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air by an infected person coughing or sneezing. It can remain in the air even after the infectious person has left the room.
The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95 per cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles.
The NSW Government has invested approximately $ 130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
You can also call the Public Health Unit, on 1300 066 055.