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A tourist infected with measles has put an entire city on high alert after traveling to several locations in Sydney’s CBD and its surrounding suburbs.
The European traveler arrived on flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Sydney at 11.45am on December 11.
They then traveled around the city on public transport for five days before isolating on December 16.
During that time, the man traveled on seven buses and twice on the light rail, visiting supermarkets, movie theaters and a medical clinic.
Anyone who has been in the same location as the tourist at any time during their trip has been urged to watch out for symptoms of the deadly virus.
Symptoms should be observed for 18 days after any possible exposure.
Sydney Local Health District public health clinical director Dr Leena Gupta said people should only be alert if they are in the same place at the same time.
“While these locations do not pose any ongoing risk, if you or someone you know visited the locations mentioned above at these times, you should monitor for symptoms,” Dr. Gupta said.
An urgent measles warning was issued in Sydney after an infected European traveler arriving from Vietnam traveled through the city for five days (file image)
The European traveler took several buses and light trains, as well as visiting supermarkets, a cinema and a health clinic (a bus in Sydney is pictured).
‘Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a blotchy red rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after an exposure, so it is important for people who visited these locations to monitor for symptoms until January 3, 2025.”
If symptoms develop during this time, people are urged to contact their local GP or emergency department to seek treatment.
Those who believe they are infected should call before visiting the hospital to limit further exposure to the virus.
Dr. Gupta said the incident serves as an important reminder for people to stay up to date with their vaccines.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations, especially before international travel,” he said.
“The measles vaccine can also prevent the disease even after exposure, if given in time. “This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.”
Anyone born after 1965 must prove they have received two doses of the vaccine. measles vaccine regardless of whether they have been exposed, the doctor said.