Sydneysiders have been told to monitor for symptoms after a person with a confirmed case of measles travelled to some of the most popular spots in the city.

The case had recently returned from Southeast Asia, where there is an ongoing outbreak of the illness in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The following locations do not pose an ongoing risk, however, the public has been told to monitor for symptoms if they were in the locations at the listed date and times. 

NSW Health Director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, Dr Christine Selvey said symptoms will appear within seven to 18 days after being exposed to the virus.

“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” Selvey said.

“Symptoms may appear between seven and 18 days after an exposure, so it’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is very infectious.”

Measles is a disease that can be prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

It’s available for children at 12 and 18 months of age on the National Immunisation Program.

It is also free in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses.

NSW Health says people who are unsure of whether they have had 2 doses of the vaccine should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe.