Measles Alert Issued In Sydney After Multiple Diagnoses

Three adults were diagnosed with measles in Sydney, Australia. Following this, NSW Health issued a measles alert, keeping in view the possibility of spread of the highly contagious disease. The infected adults visited many places in the metropolitan area of the city including emergency departments of the inner city hospital, GP Clinics and Medical Centers in Darlinghurst, Leichardt, Camperdown, Bondi and George St, during the period of Nov. 26, 2016 and Dec. 15, 2016.

Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, NSW Health's Director Communicable Diseases, specifically insisted that the three adults also visited restaurants and shops in various regions including CBD, Ultimo, Bondi, Leichhardt, Double Bay, Chatswood and Marrickville. Therefore, people who use the public transport system in the CBD, north and east of the city are at high risk, News.com.au reported.

Dr. Vicky Sheppeard said that people who have not received their two doses of the measles vaccine should be specifically alert toward the occurrence of symptoms of measles in the coming days and weeks. This is considering that the three known measles infected persons have traveled extensively, covering various parts of Sydney, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

"A highly effective measles vaccine has been freely available for many years and it is vital for everyone, including adults and children, to have two doses of the measles vaccine during their lifetime," Dr. Vicky Sheppeard said.

NSW Health also issued public statements, which specify the various symptoms and modes of transmission of the disease. "The measles virus is highly contagious and is spread through the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease," Dr. Vicky Sheppeard further said.

Dr. Vicky Sheppeard also informed the people of Sydney that, "Children or adults born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of measles vaccine, or evidence of previous measles infection, are likely to be susceptible to measles and should be vaccinated as soon as possible."