Measles alert issued for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after an infected person visited several locations in Dee Why and Manly

A measles alert has been issued for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after a confirmed case visited several locations while infectious. The person was a close contact of another reported measles case in northern Sydney, and residents have been told to watch out for the development of symptoms. The person visited Discount Vitamins, Twist Espresso & Wine, Chemist Warehouse, and Woolworths in Dee Why on Thursday, as well as Mex & Co in Manly on Saturday. Authorities said there was no ongoing risk at these locations. Michael Staff, Northern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, said people who visited these locations at the specified 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,” Dr Staff said. “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body. “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is really important for people who visited this location to monitor for symptoms until the day indicated above for each location. “Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to say they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.” Dr Staff urged people to make sure they were up to date with their vaccinations which could prevent the disease even after exposure if given early enough. “This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious,” he said. “Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. “This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions of the world.”