The dangerous measles virus was detected in a Jetstar passenger flying to Sydney from the Gold Coast, and health authorities are urging anyone who may have been exposed to the traveler to be on the lookout for symptoms.
Measles is a highly contagious virus and NSW Health said on Wednesday the traveler had recently returned to Australia from Southeast Asia, where a measles outbreak has affected several countries.
The adult boarded Jetstar flight JQ427 to Sydney from the Gold Coast on February 7, arriving at 10.15pm.
The passenger passed through Sydney Domestic Terminal 2 between 10:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
On February 10, the passenger took bus route 288 from Sussex St at Erskine St in the city to Lane Cove Interchange stop C from 9.30am to 10am
The infected Jeststar traveler visited Southeast Asia, where there is currently a measles outbreak (file image)
The traveler visited many places, including Sydney’s National Terminal 2, as well as a Thai restaurant (file image)
The person then visited Thai Chiva Therapeutic Massage in Lane Cove between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Satang Thai Take Away Restaurant in Haymarket between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a blotchy red rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” said the director of the local health district. southeast of Sydney. public health Dr. Vicky Sheppeard said Wednesday.
“If you, or someone you know, visited the places mentioned above at those times, it is important to watch for symptoms.”
The locations do not pose an ongoing threat, he added.
This case is not related to another case reported in northern New South Wales on February 11.
Measles is a contagious viral disease that causes a rash and fever.
It can also cause serious health complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Measles causes a rash and fever and can trigger serious health complications. It is very contagious and can be fatal (file image)
The vaccine-preventable disease is spread through the air when someone who is contagious coughs or sneezes.
“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” Dr. Sheppeard said.
“Symptoms can appear between seven and 18 days after an exposure, so it is important that people remain alert if they have been exposed and if they develop symptoms, call ahead to their primary care doctor or the emergency department to make sure so that they don’t waste time.” in the waiting room with other patients.
NSW Health is urging Sydneysiders to make sure they are protected from measles.
“Anyone born during or after 1966 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, this is particularly important before traveling abroad as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions of the world.”
There are also other exhibition sites in Queensland.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective against measles and is included in the National Immunization Program for children 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in New South Wales for anyone born during or after 1966 who has not already received two doses.
The vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for people aged five and over.