Doctor
Online Marketing / Unsplash

A measles warning has been issued for western Sydney as well as the Blue Mountains.

The warning was issued after a confirmed case visited public locations in these areas while unknowingly infectious.

Measles Warning Issued for Western Sydney, Blue Mountains

According to Sky News, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) said that the unnamed person attended several locations after coming in contact with another confirmed case earlier this month.

The public is advised to check the full list of locations posted by NSW Health. If you have visited any of these locations during the indicated dates and times, you are advised to watch out for symptoms and contact a medical professional should they occur.

NSW Health recommends that those affected should monitor for symptoms for 18 days.

It likewise recommends those who were at any of these locations at the specified date and time and to contact the local Public Health Unit should any of the following apply:

  • you know you are unvaccinated and it has been less than three days since your exposure
  • you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have an infant who was exposed and it has been less than six days since the exposure

What Are Measles?

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls measles "a highly contagious disease caused by a virus."

"It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes," WHO explains. "It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death."

It can take around 10 to 14 days before symptoms usually appear. The most visible symptom of measles is a rash, which typically begin seven to 18 days after exposure. It typically starts on the face and neck before spreading to other parts of the body.

Other early symptoms include:

  • Running nose
  • Cough
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Small white spots inside the cheeks

"There is no specific treatment for measles," says WHO. "Caregiving should focus on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications."

One of the ways to prevent measles is by being vaccinated against it. WHO assures that the vaccine is safe to use, inexpensive, and effective.