BY JACK HODGINS
Hunter residents are warned to remain cautious, with a case of measles detected at John Hunter Hospital.
Earlier this month, an unvaccinated child recently returned from a holiday in Asia attended the hospital's emergency department, unknowingly infected with measles.
The child was presented on two occasions, the first on April 1 from 6.30pm to 1am the next morning, and the second on April 6 from 1.30pm to 3pm.
Anybody in the emergency department during these times is being urged to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough usually followed three or four by a red, blotchy rash which spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
Public Health Physician with the Hunter New England Local Health District Dr David Durrheim said vaccinations are crucial to quash the disease.
"We're seeing around the world, unfortunately multiple outbreaks of measles which is a real great pity," he said.
"Anybody who's travelling overseas should make sure that they're protected against measles and they've had two doses of measles-containing vaccine.
"If they're unsure whether it's safe to get an extra dose, it's much better to be protected than to be exposed to measles."
A full list of case locations is available on the NSW Health website here.
Picture: John Hunter Hospital
