17/02/2023
NSW Health is urging passengers on two flights and those who spent time in Sydney International and Domestic Airports on Wednesday 15 February to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after an ACT resident who flew into Sydney was diagnosed with the illness.
The case developed their infection while travelling in Asia.
People may have been exposed to the case in the following locations:
• Passengers on QF42 from Jakarta to Sydney departing at 7pm on Tuesday 14 February, arriving in Sydney 6.20am on Wednesday 15 February.
• In the international arrivals terminal including baggage claim and customs, on the morning of 15 February between 6am and 8am.
• Passengers on the Qantas transfers bus between the International and Domestic Terminals on the morning of 15 February.
• In the domestic departures terminal of Sydney Airport before 10am on 15 February.
• Passengers on flight QF1433 from Sydney to ACT departing 10am on 15 February.
• In the domestic arrivals terminal of Canberra Airport, including baggage claim on 15 February between 11am and 11.30am.
Dr Katherine Todd, A/Director Communicable Diseases, NSW Health, said these locations do not pose an ongoing risk but urged people who may be susceptible to measles and were present at the above locations on those days to be alert for symptoms until Sunday 5 March 2023.
“Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, and anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, which may include some adults,” Dr Todd said.
Those who were on the above flights and who are:
• under the age of 12 months and have not received a measles vaccine,
• pregnant and not previously vaccinated against measles,
• immunocompromised
are asked to urgently contact their local PHU on 1300 066 055 to seek advice.
Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.
“If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients.”
“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles. It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another,” Dr Todd said.
Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.
For more information on measles, visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx
