Information for NSW General Practitioners
- Three cases of measles have been detected in Sydney in the last two weeks.
- More cases are likely in the coming weeks.
- Isolate suspected cases and call the public health unit if you suspect measles
Measles in NSW
- Three cases of measles have been reported in Sydney since early December.
- Whilst infectious the cases spent considerable time in the Sydney metropolitan area.
- Infants who are too young to be vaccinated (<12 months), children, and adults who have not received two doses of measles containing vaccine are at risk of infection.
- Be alert to travellers who may have been exposed in youth hostels – this population is likely highly mobile.
- Suspect measles in people with fever and rash irrespective of travel history
How does measles present?
- Two to four days of prodromal illness with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis.
- A maculo-papular rash then typically begins on the face and neck and becomes generalised.
- Measles cases are infectious from the day before the prodrome illness to 4 days after the onset of rash.
CLICK HERE for the full Measles Alert from NSW Health.
For further information:
- Contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055
- NSW Measles factsheet: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/measles.pdf
