A man aged in his 20s has been diagnosed with measles at Dubbo, prompting an alert for residents, including people present at two medical facilities at times earlier this month, to watch for symptoms of the highly-contagious disease.
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The unvaccinated 22-year-old was diagnosed in Dubbo after returning from three weeks in New Zealand, health authorities report.
His case is the 37th notification of measles in NSW since Christmas.
The man spent time at a number of Dubbo locations while he was infectious, Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) said on Saturday as it issued the alert.
These included Dubbo Midstate Caravan Park on April 11, Western Plains Medical Centre on April 11, 13 and 17, and Dubbo Hospital's emergency room on April 13, 16 and 17.
Measles symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.
WNSWLHD public health manager Priscilla Stanley said attempts were being made to contact people who may have been in the same location as the man while he was infectious. "There is no public health risk at those locations now however, people who were there at the time and who have not had two doses of measles vaccine should keep an eye for symptoms," Ms Stanley said.
"If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is quite safe to have another dose and the MMR vaccine is free via GPs for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn't had two doses.
"Two doses of measles vaccine usually provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated and again, we urge anyone who is travelling overseas to please ensure they get their jabs."
Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air by an infected person coughing or sneezing.
It can remain in the air even after the infectious person has left the room.
The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95 per cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles.
The NSW Government has invested approximately $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines. For more information on measles visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx
You can also call the Public Health Unit, on 1300 066 055.