Measles alert extends to Lismore after infectious case attended hospital

Health authorities have issued a new measles alert for Lismore, days after a confirmed case prompted warnings across Byron Bay, as exposure sites linked to the outbreak continue to expand.

NSW Health said an infectious person attended the emergency department at Lismore Base Hospital on Saturday February 21 between 5.45pm and 11.20pm while unknowingly carrying the virus.

The case follows a measles alert issued last week for multiple locations in Byron Bay, including Byron Central Hospital, after a confirmed infection was linked to visits across the town earlier in February.

Authorities said there is no ongoing risk at Lismore Base Hospital, but anyone who was present during the exposure window is urged to monitor for symptoms until March 12, with measles able to take up to 18 days to develop after exposure.

People who develop symptoms are advised to call ahead before visiting a GP or emergency department to reduce the risk of further transmission.

Those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or have an exposed infant, and who attended the hospital within the past six days, should contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.

NSW has now recorded 21 measles cases this year, with health authorities warning of an increased statewide risk linked to overseas travel.

“Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” regional director of north coast population and public health Valerie Delpech said.

“Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, followed several days later by a red, blotchy rash that usually spreads from the face to the rest of the body.”

Health authorities are urging residents to check their vaccination status, with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine recommended for anyone born after 1965 and available free to eligible residents in NSW.