Measles info for GPs

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging GPs to be alert for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of measles, following a confirmed case in the region.

The person was unvaccinated and had recently returned from South East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.

The person has attended multiple locations across Byron Shire, Ballina and Pottsville while unknowingly infectious, including Byron Community Hospital.

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

A measles triage poster is also available, which may be helpful for your consulting rooms.

• People born after 1966 and who have not had 2 doses of measles containing vaccine.
• Babies under the age of 12 months who have not received their first dose of MMR vaccine.
• Children over the age of 18 months who have not received their 2^nd dose of MMR vaccine.
• Pregnant or immunocompromised

Measles may present with:

• A prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis
• A maculopapular rash beginning on the face and neck, spreading downwards
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, reported in 32% of recent NSW cases (“nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain”)
• Atypical or milder illness in previously vaccinated individuals
• Incubation period up to 18 days (average 10 days).

NSW Health advises clinicians to:

• Isolate immediately -implement respiratory precautions and separate the patient from others (outside if appropriate)
• Notify the Public Health Unit urgently on 1300 066 055 (do not wait for results)
• Test urgently with:
  • Nose and throat swab (PCR)
  • First‑pass urine (PCR)
  • Blood for measles IgM and IgG
• Ensure airborne precautions and mark all tests as URGENT.

• Offer MMR vaccination to anyone born in or after 1966 without documented evidence of two doses.
• MMR is free in NSW for eligible individuals.
• Individuals born 1966–1994 may be under‑vaccinated.
• Children travelling overseas may receive an early dose from 6 months (dose zero), followed by routine doses at 12 and 18 months.

The relevant HealthPathways for measles are:

• Measles
• Notifiable diseases
• Child with a rash
• Immunisation – Childhood