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28 June 2008 Renewed measles warning
NSW Health has today renewed its warning to the community to be on the look out for the symptoms of measles amid concerns of a possible outbreak. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Director Communicable Diseases for NSW Health, said three measles cases have been diagnosed this month, bringing the total number cases this year to 38. "These latest cases do not appear to be related which shows the disease is circulating in the community." "Since the introduction of the vaccine, measles is now considered a rare disease. In 2007, there were only three cases of measles in NSW residents, all of whom were exposed overseas. To jump from three cases to 38 shows we cannot be complacent about this disease. Dr McAnulty said anyone not immune to measles was at risk of contracting the disease. "We are seeing cases in infants less than 12 months of age who are not yet due for immunisation and cases in young adults who have missed out on the MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. "Parents should immunise their children at 12 months of age and get a second dose for them before they go to school at age 4 years. Adults up to 42 years of age should also make sure they are protected with two doses of MMR vaccine, unless they are certain they have had measles in the past. "People who are not immune need to be particularly vigilant as they may have come in to contact with the disease. "Measles is one of the most easily spread diseases and just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection," he said. Dr McAnulty advises the initial symptoms of measles are:
Dr McAnulty said these symptoms are followed in a few days by a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads over the body and lasts a few days. "People with measles usually feel pretty miserable. Symptoms usually begin between around 10 days after contact with an infected person, so now is the time for people to be particularly aware of any signs of infection in themselves or their children. "Anyone who develops these symptoms should seek advice from their GP. Please ring ahead to advise that you may have measles so you can be kept away from other people, in the waiting area, to avoid spreading the disease to others," he advised. Dr McAnulty said measles is an acute viral disease that can lead to serious complications. For further information please contact your local Public Health Unit or visit the fact sheet on the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/pdf/measles_cdfs.pdf For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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