HARDWARE shops, pubs, shopping centres and fitness parks have been flagged after two confirmed cases of measles in the Hunter.
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Health authorities have urged Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents to check their movements against those of the two carriers, and for others to ensure they have sought vaccination.
Hunter New England Health said the two cases, a middle-aged woman and a teenage boy, were diagnosed after contact with an infected man upon returning from South America.
The health authority said both had visited a range of places in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle while infected.
Hunter New England public health physician David Durrheim said the locations they visited did not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who had been there at the same time should remain vigilant for symptoms for up to 18 days.
"Fortunately measles is very rare and that's because of the high vaccination rates in Australia [but] they have travelled everywhere in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, so it really serves as a reminder to everyone to check their vaccination status," he said.
"It's a good idea to get a jab now."
Mr Durrheim said it was crucial that those who could fortify their immunity took steps to do so.
"Fortunately for the broader community if people are vaccinated, they haven't got much to worry about, but there are children who are too young to be vaccinated and there are people who are immuno-suppressed," he said.
"All the rest of us need to make sure we are vaccinated to form a barrier around them."
Anyone in the same place as the pair should watch out for symptoms until September 22. If symptoms do develop, Dr Durrheim said it was crucial that they called ahead before seeking medical help.
"If anyone does develop symptoms, the last thing we want them to do is go into an emergency department of crowded GP waiting room and spread it around," he said.
Dr Durrheim also encouraged everyone in the region to ensure they had received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which offers lifeline protection in 99 per cent of patients.
It is free for anyone born during or after 1966.
Dr Durrheim said that it was worth checking vaccination status with Gps,
It follows a case in April this year when a Macquarie University student unknowingly exposed people in parts of the Hunter and Sydney to the highly-contagious condition.
Health authorities confirmed that the woman, aged in her 20s, had been vaccinated.
WHERE THEY WENT
Wednesday 28 August
- Wallsend Library 11:30am - 14:00pm; Glendale Hunter Sports Centre gymnastics class and Glendale Shopping Centre, 6:00pm - 7:30pm; Edgeworth Town centre, Henny Penny and Coles, 7:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday 31 August
- West Wallsend Swim Centre, 10:15am - 11:30am;
- Warners Bay Pillow Talk, noon-12:30pm
- Wallsend McDonalds, noon- 2:30pm
- Kotara Bunnings, 1pm - 1:30pm
- Clarendon Hotel, Newcastle 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Sunday 1 September
- Broadmeadow McDonalds 8:00am - 8:30am
- Wickham Bid Barn Tender Centre, noon - 2:00pm.
Monday 2 September
- Westfield Kotara, KFC and KMart 3:00pm - 3:30pm;
Tuesday 3 September
- Glendale Pharmacy Chemist Works 8:30pm - 9:00pm
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