Second measles alert for Lismore

HEALTH authorities are cautioning Lismore residents to be aware of potential signs and symptoms of measles in the region’s second health alert in as many weeks.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) warning comes after being notified of a person with measles who was infectious while visiting Lismore Square Shopping Centre two weeks ago.

The NNSWLHD Director of Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said the locations pose no ongoing risk to the public.

Dr Delpech said community members who visited the shopping centre on February 12 or 13 should monitor for the development of symptoms. The time range from 8.40am to mid-to-late afternoon on both days is focused on shoppers who spent time in Woolworths, Coles, Cotton On, Cotton On Body, and Pet Barn.

“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 Delpech said.

“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 March 3.”

The Lismore case identified on February 9 is a family member of a person who had returned from overseas.

“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,” Dr Delpech said.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.

“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 free for children at 12 and 18 months of age and is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses. It is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over five years).