Health officials are urging residents of Sydney to be vigilant after a confirmed measles case surfaced following the return of a traveler from Vietnam. The alert highlights the potential public health risks associated with the infectious disease as the individual had visited several locations upon arrival.
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has reported the case linked to Jetstar flight JQ62, which departed Ho Chi Minh City at 10:40 PM on March 9, 2025, arriving at Sydney International Airport at 11:00 AM the following day. This implementation of measures is particularly timely as Vietnam is grappling with severe measles outbreaks, with nearly 40,000 suspected cases and five measles-related deaths reported this year.
The infected individual spent considerable time at the airport, remaining there until 1:00 PM on March 10. Health authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of infection during this time, especially for those who were at the baggage claim area around the same hours. Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Public Health for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, "Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that's spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes."
After leaving the airport, the patient visited several local establishments. From 1:30 PM to 2:05 PM on March 10, they were at 169 Cafe located in Randwick, followed by Ooshman Maroubra at Pacific Square from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM the same day. The following week, on March 13, this individual was at the Matraville Medical Complex from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and Healthsave Pharmacy from 1:30 PM to 1:35 PM. On Saturday, March 15, they returned to the Matraville Medical Complex again from 9:50 AM to 10:50 AM, before ending their hospital visit at the Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Room, where they reportedly stayed for three hours until 1:30 PM.
Given the highly contagious nature of measles, symptoms can appear anytime within 18 days after exposure. Dr. Sheppeard advises anyone who visited these locations to be on the lookout for symptoms until April 2, 2025. "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," she explained.
Authorities are especially concerned for those who are not vaccinated. Dr. Sheppeard encouraged all residents, especially those born after 1965, to verify their vaccination status, emphasizing the importance of having received two doses of the measles vaccine. This precaution is particularly salient as the measles vaccine can prevent the disease, even after exposure, if administered early enough.
With outbreaks occurring globally, including the alarming situation in Vietnam, health officials stress the importance of vigilance and proactive health measures to protect the community. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to call their GP or the emergency department before attending, to minimize the risk of spreading the disease within waiting areas.
Residents are reminded to stay informed about health alerts and to take necessary precautions, particularly with international travel becoming more common. Keeping vaccinations up to date is not just personally beneficial; it is a collective responsibility to halt the spread of diseases such as measles.
This alert serves as a pivotal reminder of the broader public health imperatives at play as communities work together to safeguard health against preventable diseases like measles. The swift action undertaken by health authorities alongside community awareness and response could play significant roles in ensuring cases remain at bay.
