Health officials are expressing concern over a potential measles outbreak in the community, as the origin of a recent case remains unidentified.

“Given that the infection’s source is unknown, it’s likely that measles is circulating locally, and others may have been inadvertently exposed,” stated NSW Health in an official announcement.

Authorities are urging residents to verify their vaccination status and remain vigilant for any signs of the illness.

“Be alert for symptoms such as fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a cough,” advised Dr. Mitchell Smith, Public Health Director for the South Western Sydney Local Health District. “These are typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the head and face before spreading across the body, usually three to four days later.”

Dr. Smith added, “Symptoms can take up to 18 days to manifest post-exposure. People need to stay alert, and if symptoms develop, they should contact their GP or emergency department ahead of time to avoid waiting with other patients.”

The warning comes a week after NSW Health warned someone with the disease had been at Oasis’ sold-out concert in Sydney on Saturday, November 8, as well as a Jelly Roll gig in Brisbane on October 24.

Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases, and can lead to severe and deadly complications, including pneumonia and acute encephalitis, or brain inflammation. 

According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, nine out of ten people who are near an infected person will catch the disease themselves, whether through direct contact, coughing or sneezing, or even just breathing in the same air.

However, the measles vaccine – which is free in Australia for 12- and 18-month-olds – is both safe and extremely effective against the virus, providing long-term protection against infection in 99 per cent of people.

According to the World Health Organisation, the vaccine saved almost 32 million lives between 2000 and 2020.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” Smith said. 

“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. 

“It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses…

“People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel.”

Vaccination helped eliminate measles in many countries in the past few decades, including Australia in 2014.

However, growing anti-vaccine sentiment has led to outbreaks of the disease across the globe. 

Canada, for example, was declared measles-free in 1998 but has now lost that status and is currently battling thousands of cases, while the number of infections in the United States is growing towards 2000.