Measles alert follows infectious traveller’s visits to south-west Sydney venues
NSW Health has issued a measles warning after an infected person visited multiple locations across Sydney's south-west between 23 and 28 September. The patient contracted the virus whilst travelling in South-East Asia, where an outbreak is currently occurring. This matters because measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through communities with lower immunity rates.
The exposure sites in and around Campbelltown include a Kmart, coffee shop, nail salon and hairdresser in Narellan, plus Concord Oval Recreation Centre and Wanderers Football Park in Rooty Hill. NSW Health noted the locations no longer pose ongoing risk. New research shows 1.7 million Australians lack protection against measles, with approximately 7 per cent of the population inadequately immunised as of 2019, a concerning backdrop given NSW has recorded 56 confirmed cases since the start of the year.
- Measles warning issued after infected patient visited Sydney locations
- 1.7 million Australians estimated to lack measles protection
- Patient contracted virus while travelling in South-East Asia
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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads rapidly through close contact. A traveller who acquired measles in South-East Asia, where an outbreak is currently occurring, has tested positive after visiting multiple public venues in south-west Sydney. This matters because measles spreads easily through communities, particularly among people without vaccination protection.
Australia has a significant population lacking adequate protection against measles. Around 1.7 million Australians are not protected against the virus, with approximately 7 per cent of the population inadequately immunised. This vulnerability makes outbreaks more likely to spread and establish themselves within communities.
New South Wales has already recorded 56 confirmed measles cases this year. When infected travellers bring measles into areas with lower vaccination rates, the virus can spread quickly among those without immunity. This is why public health authorities monitor for and publicly report potential exposures.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Urgent measles warning for Sydney after infected patient visits popular spots including Kmart”.