SYDNEY, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Local health departments in Sydney are on high alert Wednesday, after it was revealed that two separate people who have been diagnosed with measles, visited a number of highly populated public areas last week.
On Tuesday evening, the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) both issued alert notices, warning the public to be aware of the potential symptoms for the deadly disease.
These include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and feeling unwell.
After a few days a rash will start to appear and complications such as ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and even swelling of the brain have also been known to occur.
So far there have been around 12 cases of measles this year in Sydney, but in Melbourne there have been 11 confirmed cases in the last two weeks, sparking major concerns from the medical community.
NSLHD's director of public health Michael Staff said in a statement obtained by Xinhua that "it's very important to prevent further spread of this serious illness."
"People with measles symptoms should stay home from school or work and not go out in public.
"We recommend medical attention be sought, but if you or your child shows these symptoms you should call the doctor's surgery before you go in so they can make arrangements to see you without the risk of you spreading the virus to other people."
As one of the world's most easily spreadable viral diseases, it is commonly transmitted by an infectious person's cough or sneeze.
Medical authorities believe a drop off in vaccinations could be the main factor contributing to the current surge of cases.
