Measles was officially declared eliminated from Australia in March 2014, which means that outbreaks in Australia
now start with a single non-immune individual contracting infection while overseas and coming/returning to Australia. [National Centre for Immunisation, Research and Surveillance, Fact Sheet, 2019]
After a two and a half year respite Measles popped up on the public health radar in New South Wales again in February, March, April and July 2023.
With a low number infections being identified on incoming international flights up to late July 2023 and one case with no identified source.
The latest instances triggering limited period alerts for Rose Bay, Randwick, Minnie Waters, Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.
Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, which may include some adults, and people with a weakened immune system. [NSW Health, 21 July 2023]
NSW Health, Measles alert for Mid North Cost and Northern NSW, extract, 7 August 2023
The Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts are urging people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles and to get vaccinated if not up to date, following the notification of a case in the region.
It is likely the case acquired their infection whilst travelling in Bali, where a high number of cases have occurred in recent months. The case visited several locations in NSW while infectious, and contact tracing of potential high risk persons is underway.
Dr Valerie Delpech, Acting Director, Northern NSW Population and Public Health Directorate, said anyone
who was in the same locations as the cases should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 18 August, and check their vaccination status.
People may have been exposed to the case in the following locations:
• Coffs Harbour University football field, AFL North Coast under 10 competition – on Sunday 30 July between 9am-10am
• Woolgoolga AFL sports field, AFL North Coast under 12 competition – on Sunday 30 July between 11am-12pm
• Hazard reduction burn, Minnie Water Road, Minnie Water – on Monday 31 July 8.30am-5.30pm
These locations do not pose an ongoing risk to people…..
