People travelling to Australia have been warned about protecting themselves against measles, after a third child in less than a week has been diagnosed with measles in New South Wales (NSW).
This has led to health authorities issuing a warning emphasising the importance of the public protecting themselves against the highly infectious disease.
Another confirmed case was found on 29 December when a man returning to the country from Thailand was diagnosed with the same disease.
Measles can be spread through sneezing or coughing and is considered highly infectious. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, coughing and a red, scattered rash starting at the head and neck.
Other, more serious, complications can be caused by the disease, such as pneumonia and it is suggested that those who are experiencing symptoms should seek diagnosis immediately.
Brett Sutton, Acting Chief Health Officer in Victoria, Australia has said: “Anyone developing symptoms is advised to ring ahead to their general practitioner or hospital first and tell them that they may have measles so that appropriate steps can be taken to avoid contact with other patients.”
These cases highlight the importance of immunising yourself against infectious diseases, even before travelling to countries you may not immediately associate with those diseases.
Here at Harrow Health Care Centre, we offer vaccinations against a range of diseases including measles. Contact us today for a travel immunisation consultation with one of our nurses.
Find out more at https://harrowhealthcare.co.uk/our-services/travel-clinic/.
