NSW is in the midst of the worst outbreak of measles in a decade, with 136 cases reported so far this year.
NSW Health reports that the numbers continue to rise and is appealing to people to ensure their family is fully vaccinated.
Measles is spread by air-borne droplets through coughing or sneezing. It can survive in the air for up to two hours.
“Anyone with symptoms of measles — the measles rash and flu-like symptoms – should not go to school, work or go out in public. Anyone who thinks they might be infected should see a doctor, but call ahead to make sure they don’t infect others at the doctor’s surgery,” said Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health Director, for health protection.
Numbers of measles cases began to spike in June in western and south-western Sydney, two months after a young adult returned home from Thailand while infectious and transmitted the virus.
NSW Health says children aged under five have been worst affected, largely as a result of transmission to babies too young to be vaccinated. There have also been high rates in 15- to 19-year-olds.
One of North Coast Medicare Local’s Immun-isation Project Officers, Rachelle Deaker, said two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended.
“A minimal interval of four weeks is required between doses, and 99 per cent of people will be immune to measles after two doses.
“Children 12 months and over who are not yet vaccinated should be vaccinated now. Don’t wait until there are measles cases reported locally.
“If you were born after 1966 and are unsure about whether you have had two doses, it is safe to receive an extra dose of the MMR vaccine in order to be sure,” said Ms Deaker.
Australia does not want to experience an outbreak similar to that which occurred across Europe, where more than 26,000 cases of measles in 36 European countries were reported from January-October 2011, she said.
A World Health Organ-isation report states that these outbreaks caused nine deaths and put 7288 people in hospital.
Ms Deaker said a measles outbreak would put an enormous strain on the regional health system.
“In our area, with some postcodes with the lowest vaccination rates in Australia, the disease could spread like wildfire and our medical practices and hospital systems may not cope,” she said.
Director of the North Coast Public Health Unit, Paul Corben, said there have been no Mid-North Coast residents diagnosed with measles in the course of this outbreak so far. However, with many people visiting the area over the school holidays, this could happen at any time. The last two reported cases within Mid-North Coast Local Health District were in May 2006 and February 2000.
“Measles is a nasty infection which is preventable through vaccination,” said Mr Corben. “Measles is highly contagious and can be spread by being in the same room with someone carrying the disease.
“Anyone with symptoms of measles should not go to school, work or go out in public. Anyone who thinks they might be infected should see a doctor, but call ahead to make sure they don’t infect others at the doctor’s surgery,” said Mr Corben.
“People need two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine for the best protection against measles. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people are most at risk. It is safe to have the vaccine more than twice, so people who are unsure of their immunity should get vaccinated,” said Mr Corben.
Measles vaccine is free from your GP. Anyone born in Australia before 1966 is likely to be immune and not need vaccination.
The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is usually around 10 days but can be as long as 18 days.
“People with measles usually feel extremely unwell. Symptoms can include a high fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore eyes before a blotchy red rash appears.”
Mr Corben said a quarter to a third of people with measles require hospitalisation.
