Health authorities have issued a measles alert after a confirmed case visited eight locations across Byron, Ballina and Pottsville while infectious.
The person had recently returned from Southeast Asia and visited a number of public locations between September 15 and 21, including Shearwater Steiner School in Mullumbimby, The Patch Café, Mullumbimby Library, Pottsville Tennis Club, Pottsville Mobile Library, Equikids Horse Riding in Ballina and the Byron Central Hospital emergency department.
Northern NSW Local Health District says there is no ongoing risk at the locations, but people who were there at the specified times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure.
North Coast Population and Public Health Regional Director Dr Valerie Delpech said people should be alert for the typical signs of measles.
‘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,’ Dr Delpech said.
She said symptoms could take up to 18 days to appear following exposure.
People who develop symptoms are advised to seek medical attention, but to call ahead before attending a GP clinic or emergency department so infection-control measures can be put in place. NSW Health says measles is highly infectious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Authorities are also urging people to check that they are up to date with measles vaccination, particularly before overseas travel.
NSW Health says outbreaks are continuing in a number of countries across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
A full list of exposure locations and times is available through NSW Health.
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