...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Infant with Measles Attended Various Venues in Western Sydney
A warning has been issued by NSW Health for parents and children who attended a Wiggles concert to check for measles symptoms.
This comes after an infant, who is too young to be vaccinated, was diagnosed with the highly infectious disease.
The child visited several places in Western Sydney, including a swimming pool in Jamisontown, a Westfield, Chemist Warehouse, and Bunnings in Penrith, and a surgery clinic in Glenmore Park.
The child also attended a concert by The Wiggles at The Cube at the Campbelltown Convention Entertainment Centre on March 30.
Soon after visiting these venues, a positive test was received.
NSW Health Alert
NSW Health issued an alert urging people who were present in these venues to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles.
The alert states that measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air via coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.
Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure.
Dr. Selvey’s Statement
Christine Selvey, NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Disease, highlighted the groups that are most vulnerable to the disease in the health body’s alert.
According to Dr. Selvey, measles is a highly contagious infection, and the most vulnerable are infants under 12 months who are too young to be vaccinated against it, other members of the community who are not fully vaccinated, and people with a weakened immune system.
Dr. Selvey added that more cases were expected in the state due to large outbreaks in several overseas countries.
Possible Exposure Locations
NSW Health warns that people may have been exposed to the disease at various locations in Western Sydney.
These include:
- The Wiggles Concert at The Cube, Campbelltown Convention Entertainment Centre
Thursday, March 30 between 1:30pm to 5pm
- Dunn & Farrugia Fencing And Gates, Jamisontown
Thursday, March 23 from 10am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 4pm
Friday, March 24 from 12pm to 5pm
Wednesday, March 29 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
Thursday, March 30 from 9:30am to 11:30am
- Womra Crescent GP Surgery, Glenmore Park
Wednesday, March 29 from 10am to 11:30am
Friday, March 31 from 11am to 12:30pm
- Nepean Village Shopping Centre, Penrith
Thursday, March 23 to Sunday April 2
- The Dive In Swimming Academy
Friday, March 24 from 10:45am to 12pm
- Penrith Westfield
Friday, March 24 from 11:45am to 2pm
- Kickin’ Inn Penrith, Jamisontown
Friday, March 24 from 8pm to 10pm
- Chemist Warehouse, Penrith HomeMaker Centre
Saturday, March 25 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
- Macarthur Square
Monday, March 27 from 9:30am to 1pm
- HomeCo Glenmore Park Town Centre
- Bunnings Penrith
Friday, 31 March from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Commentary
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, which is safe and effective.
It is essential for parents to get their children vaccinated against measles as soon as possible after they turn one, as this is the age when the vaccine is recommended.
In addition, anyone born in or after 1966 should check that they have had two doses of the measles vaccine.
If there is any doubt, they should get vaccinated, as additional doses are safe.
Anyone who thinks they might have the measles should isolate themselves and contact their GP as soon as possible.
It is crucial to follow NSW Health’s guidelines and to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
