Measles alert

Measles cases have been notified in the South East Sydney Local Health District region. Secondary cases may arise in the coming weeks, so remain alert and notify the Public Health Unit and isolate any suspected cases.

What has happened?

Two cases of measles have been notified in adult residents of SESLHD.
The infections were acquired overseas, and are from the same household.
The cases were infectious in the community for several days, including exposures at:
- Flight QR908 from Doha to Sydney arriving 14 July 5:10pm & the international arrivals terminal
- TerryWhite Chemmart Rose Bay on 15 July
- POWH (Emergency Department, LifeGrain café, Hospital Foyer Pharmacy Barker St) on 19 July
- Several shops in Royal Randwick Shopping Centre and on Belmore Rd Randwick on 20 July.

How does measles present?

2−4 days of prodromal illness with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis.
A maculopapular rash then typically begins on the face and neck and becomes generalised.
Measles in previously vaccinated people may present atypically, with mild symptoms and a slower progression of the rash.
Cases are infectious from the day before the prodrome to 4 days after the onset of rash.
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) ranges from 7 to 18 days.

Be alert for cases presenting

Isolate patients with fever and rash in a separate room on arrival; if suspected cases call you ahead, arrange to see them at home, or in your rooms without exposing other patients.
Notify the Public Health Unit about suspected cases – don’t wait for test results before calling. The earlier the PHU knows about a suspected case the more effective contact tracing can be.
Test – collect both a nose and throat swab and a first pass urine sample for measles PCR, and blood for measles serology (IgM & IgG). Mark tests as urgent. The PHU can assist in expediting testing, if indicated.