**Measles Alert NSW***
#Gosford Hospital
#Erina
#Wamberal
#CentralCoast
The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.
People who attended the following locations should watch for symptoms.
Tuesday 4 March 2025
Gosford Hospital Emergency Department from 4.30am to 4.15pm
Saturday 1 March 2025
Wamberal beach, 1pm to 3.45pm.
Woolworths Erina Fair, 620-658 Terrigal Drive, Erina from 4pm to 4.30pm
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Taylor said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure,
“If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP or emergency department to ensure you do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs and pharmacies
#measles
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx