Urgent measles alert for residents in Sydney’s Inner West

What you need to know:

• NSW Health has issued an urgent measles alert for residents in Sydney's Inner West.
• Anyone who visited the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre on August 12 or 13 is urged to get vaccinated.
• Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.
• Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash.
• Measles can be serious, especially for young children and pregnant women.
• There is no specific treatment for measles, but the vaccine is effective in preventing the disease.

What happened?

NSW Health was notified of two confirmed cases of measles in the Inner West on August 15. The cases are linked to a person who visited the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre on August 12 and 13.

Anyone who visited the shopping center on those dates is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Rash

The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

What is the treatment for measles?

There is no specific treatment for measles. The vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease.

People who are infected with measles should stay home from work or school and avoid contact with other people.

How can I get vaccinated?

The measles vaccine is available for free at your local GP or vaccination clinic.

If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated against measles, it is best to get vaccinated again.

Conclusion

Measles is a serious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. If you have been exposed to measles, it is important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For more information on measles, please visit the NSW Health website.