Urgent health warning after a highly contagious traveler took a Jetstar flight and visited several places in Australia

The dangerous measles virus has been discovered in a Jetstar passenger flying from the Gold Coast to Sydney, with health authorities urging anyone who may have been exposed to the traveler to be alert for symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious virus and NSW Health said on Wednesday the traveler had recently returned to Australia from south-east Asia, where a measles outbreak has hit several countries.

The adult boarded Jetstar flight JQ427 to Sydney from the Gold Coast on February 7, arriving at 10.15pm.

The passenger passed through Sydney Domestic Terminal 2 between 10:15 p.m. and 11 p.m.

On February 10, the passenger took bus route 288 from Sussex St at Erskine St in the city to Lane Cove Interchange Stand C from 9.30am to 10am.

The traveler visited many locations including Sydney Domestic Terminal 2 and a Thai restaurant (stock image)

The person then attended Thai Chiva Therapeutic Massage in Lane Cove between 10am and 7pm and Satang Thai Take Away Restaurant in Haymarket between 9pm and 11pm.

“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and coughing, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” says South Eastern's local health district director Sydney. public health Dr. Vicky Sheppeard said Wednesday.

'If you, or someone you know, has visited the above locations at those times, it is important to be alert to complaints.'

The locations do not pose an ongoing threat, she added.

This case is not related to another case reported in northern NSW on February 11.

Measles is a contagious viral disease that causes a rash and fever.

It can also cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Measles causes a rash and fever and can cause serious health complications. It is highly contagious and can be fatal (stock image)

The vaccine-preventable disease is spread through the air when someone who is contagious coughs or sneezes.

'Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and coughing, usually followed three or four days later by a red, patchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,' said Dr Sheppeard.

'Symptoms can occur between seven and 18 days after exposure, so it is important that people remain vigilant if they have been exposed and if they develop symptoms, contact their GP or emergency department beforehand to ensure they do not waste time in the waiting room with other patients.'

NSW Health is urging Sydneysiders to check they are protected against measles.

'Anyone born in or after 1966 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine. This is especially important prior to traveling abroad as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several parts of the world.”

There are also further exposure sites in Queensland.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective against measles and is included in the National Vaccination Program for children aged 12 and 18 months. It is also free in NSW for anyone born in or after 1966 who has not yet had two doses.

The vaccine is available from the GP for all ages and from the pharmacy for people aged five years and older.