• Popular tourist locations exposed
• Why being born before 1966 matters

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed infectious person visiting popular local tourist locations.

Northern District Regional Director Dr Valerie Delpech, said the person carrying the virus had recently been travelling in South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks in several countries.

People who attended the following locations on April 1 should watch for the development of symptoms.

• Killen Falls Tintenbar, 11:30am to 12pm
• Kiosk Lennox Beach, 12:08pm to 12:30pm
• Lake Ainsworth, 12:30pm to 3pm
• Broken Head Beach 3:30pm to 4:30pm

On Monday March 31, the affected person visited the Combi Café in Fletcher St, Byron Bay between 10:50 and 11:50 am.

Dr Delpech said symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough.

“This is usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until April 19.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.”

Dr Delpech said anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. 

People born before 1966 generally don’t need two doses of the measles vaccine because they are presumed to have acquired immunity from natural infection during childhood, when measles was widespread.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses,” Dr Delpech said.

“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.

“Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months early if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

“People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for those over five years.

“If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.”