Measles alert issued in Sydney after traveler returns

A health alert has been issued in Sydney after a person with measles visited multiple locations while infected. The traveller returned from Ho Chi Minh City on a Jetstar flight and arrived in Sydney on March 10. Those on Jetstar flight JQ62 or in the baggage area of Sydney International Airport are advised to check for symptoms. The sick individual also went to the 169 Cafe in Randwick and Ooshman Maroubra at Pacific Square on the same day. They later visited the Matraville Medical Complex, Healthsave Pharmacy, and the Prince of Wales Emergency Department between March 13 and 15. Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Public Health for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, urged people to ensure their vaccinations are current, especially if they have traveled abroad. Measles outbreaks have been reported in many parts of the world, including a significant outbreak in Vietnam. Dr. Sheppeard emphasized that anyone born after 1965 should have received two doses of the measles vaccine. The vaccine can help prevent the disease even after potential exposure, if administered quickly. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air from an infected person's cough or sneeze. Symptoms to look out for include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, often followed by a red, blotchy rash within four days. Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear, so anyone who visited these locations should monitor their health until April 2. Those experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor before visiting in person.