Urgent health alert over measles as infected case visits several stores across major city

An urgent health warning has been issued across western Sydney and the Blue Mountains after a confirmed measles case visited several locations. 

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) said the person came into contact with another confirmed case in early March.

They then attended several venues across the district, including a Terry White Chemist, Subway and X Espresso in Jordan Springs on March 19, 20 and 21. 

The case visited Kmart Penrith on March 18, Jordan Springs Woolworths on March 17, ​the Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward on March 14, 15 and 16, and Coles Forestville and Winston Hills Mall on March 13. 

They also went to Woolworths Revesby, a restaurant, wine parlour and bar in Manly, and Qudos Bank Arena on March 9, 8 and 6 respectively. 

A full list of exposure sites can be found on the NSW Health website.

Measles is highly contagious and usually spreads through breathing in the virus after an infected person has coughed or sneezed. 

NBMLHD’s Centre for Population Health director Eloise Milthorpe said early symptoms included fever, sore eyes, runny nose and cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash, normally beginning on the face, before spreading across the body.

The venues, which poses no ongoing risk, include ​​Kmart Penrith on March 18

‘If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations … see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,’ Ms Milthorpe said.

‘Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients and wear a mask.’

Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and infants are deemed to be at a higher risk.

They have been advised to contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 if it’s been less than six days since exposure. 

Ms Milthorpe reminded people to keep up to date with their vaccinations.   

‘Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,’ she said.

Those born after 1965 should have had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is free for children aged between 12 and 18 months. 

The vaccines are available at GPs for all ages, and pharmacies for those over five.