Travellers heading overseas are being urged to have a measles vaccination after a spike in the number of cases of the potentially deadly disease being reported across the State.
Since December last year, 36 people have been diagnosed with measles in NSW, the majority of whom have been travellers who have entered or re-entered Australia and unknowingly been infected with the disease.
A new campaign launched by NSW Health targets overseas visitors, Australian travellers heading overseas and international university students going home for the holidays.
The campaign has been translated into four languages, specifically chosen to target the multicultural population who may travel to their country of origin and not consider themselves at risk because they are visiting family and friends in a familiar location.
Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said measles was an extremely contagious and potentially deadly disease.
“Many overseas travellers may be exposed to the disease despite not travelling to a country where it is currently endemic simply by coming into contact with a fellow traveller in the airport or on a transit flight,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“Measles virus can stay in the air for short periods of time, so if people enter a room shortly after an infected person has left, they could still become infected,” she said.
The campaign is also focusing on childcare centres around the State and NSW public schools.
Anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses of the vaccine or had measles is eligible for the free vaccine.
“If you’re not sure if you have had two doses, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people, it is safe to get another jab, particularly if you’re heading overseas,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“Anyone with an infant younger than 12 months should see their GP prior to travel, as the child may be a candidate for early vaccination from six months of age,” she said.
She said the symptoms of measles included fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, spotty rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
