People who attended Byron Beachside Markets late last month are being urged to watch for measles symptoms after a new confirmed case visited while unknowingly infectious.
Northern NSW Local Health District issued the alert on October 8, saying the person had been in contact with an earlier case reported on September 23.
The new case attended the markets on the Main Beach foreshore, near Bay Street and Dening Park, on Saturday, September 26, between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Anyone there during that period should monitor for symptoms until Wednesday, October 14. Health authorities say the location poses no ongoing risk.
The earlier case had recently returned from Southeast Asia and visited locations across Byron, Ballina and Pottsville between September 15 and 21, including Shearwater Steiner School, Mullumbimby Library and Byron Central Hospital.
North Coast Population and Public Health regional director Dr Valerie Delpech urged anyone developing symptoms to seek medical attention.
‘If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. 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,’ Dr Delpech said.
Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, a runny nose and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure.
There have been 57 confirmed cases across NSW this year.
Health authorities are urging anyone born after 1965 to ensure they have received two measles vaccine doses. Catch-up vaccination is free in NSW for those who need it.
For advice, contact a GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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