Measles alert in Byron Bay: Were you at these locations recently?

PEOPLE who have visited the Byron Bay area in the last fortnight are being urged to be alert for signs and symptoms after a confirmed case was infections while visiting several locations in the area.

Northern NSW Local Health District is advising people who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose 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.

They include Northern Rivers Football Academy fields on Ewingsdale Rd from 7pm to 9.30pm on Monday 9 February, businesses at 73-75 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate all day on Tuesday 10 February and Wednesday 11 February and Ms Ho Hot Rolls, also in the industrial estate, from 1pm to 2.30pm both days.

It also includes Byron Central Hospital Emergency Department from 3pm to 6.10pm on Wednesday 11 February.

It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 3 March.

Regional director of North Coast Population and Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” she said.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

 

 

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 18 cases confirmed since 1 January.

Dr Delpech took the opportunity 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.

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 early if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” she said. “This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

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 (all ages) and pharmacies (people over five years of age).

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

If it has been less than six days since the exposure at any of the locations mentioned and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.