Health authorities in New South Wales and South Australia have issued urgent warnings after a baby and a toddler were diagnosed with measles following overseas travel. The highly infectious disease has prompted alerts for specific locations visited by the children.
NSW Health reported that a baby diagnosed with measles had returned to western Sydney from India. The infant visited The Children's Hospital at Westmead emergency department waiting room, Argyle Street Medical Centre in Parramatta, and Westfield Parramatta on March 27. Anyone who was at these locations during the specified times is advised to check their vaccination status and consider receiving the measles vaccine if not protected.
In South Australia, a three-year-old child who also contracted measles overseas attended the Women's and Children's Hospital emergency department in Adelaide on March 23, as well as several locations in Murray Bridge between March 17 and 23. SA Health has urged people who were at those sites to monitor for symptoms.
Measles symptoms include sore eyes, runny nose, cough, and fever, followed by a red blotchy rash starting from the head and spreading down the body. Symptoms may appear up to April 14 for those exposed. Infants under 12 months, unvaccinated individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Health officials stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for those born after 1965 who have not received two doses. Travellers are advised to check their vaccination records well before overseas trips, as measles cases have risen globally due to low vaccination rates.
