Residents are advised to “be alert” for signs and symptoms of measles following a recent confirmed case at a Newcastle healthcare facility.

It’s understood the person visited the John Hunter Hospital emergency department (ED) between Wednesday 1 April and Monday 6 April while unknowingly infectious.

The case is a returned traveller who’s suspected to have acquired their infection overseas in India, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles. 

But, the exposure times occurred:

• Wednesday 1 April: 6.30pm-11.59pm (monitor until: Sunday 19 April)
• Thursday 2 April: Midnight-1am (monitor until: Monday 20 April)
• Monday 6 April: 1.30pm3pm (monitor until: Friday 24 April)

The location does not pose an ongoing risk.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) public health physician Dr David Durrheim said.

“Symptoms to watch out for 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. 

“It can take up to 18 days for them to appear after an exposure.

“So, it’s important for people who visited the ED at John Hunter Hospital [at the above times] to look out for symptoms for this period. 

“If they develop them, they should call ahead to their GP or ED to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients. 

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.

“The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

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

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

According to NSW Health:

• If it has been less than six days since the exposure and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055. 
• There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 42 cases confirmed since 1 January.
• The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and 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.
• Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
• 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. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
• If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have any questions, contact your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

For more news stories:

• Newcastle by-election pre-polling and voting guide
• Top soldier Roberts-Smith arrested over war crime murder
• Fatalities mar Easter long weekend police operation

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.