Measles Outbreak in Sydney Infected Another Six People

A measles warning has been issued for western Sydney following the confirmation of six new cases of the infectious viral disease, taking the number of cases in the past week to 10, including Wyndham College, Quakers Hill and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. "This brings the total number of cases in NSW, with onset this year, to 19," NSW Health's director communicable diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said.

NSW Health also found cases on passengers who took the train between Flemington and Quakers Hill during March 28-30. However, the health authorities said it is not possible to identify and contact all the people who may been exposed to the disease during these days.

The infected people frequented sites including Wyndham College at Quakers Hill, Fairfield District Medical Centre, Fairfield Hospital Emergency Department, Westmead Children's Hospital Emergency and the NAS Medical Centre in Auburn during the past week.

"The recent cases reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated," she said. “Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease," she added.

A highly effective measles vaccine has been freely available for many years and it is vital for everyone, including adults and children, to have two doses of the measles vaccine during their lifetime.

“Unless you are certain you have had two doses of measles vaccine, you should visit your GP as soon as possible for free measles vaccination, as it is safe to have it again.”

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NSW Health is urging people in western Sydney to take advantage of the free measles vaccine, available at GPs, and to watch for measles symptoms, particularly in babies who are too young to receive this vaccination.

Source-Medindia