By ANNA USHER

Locals are being warned to check for measles symptoms, with two new cases confirmed in Sydney.

Several lower north shore businesses have been named on the latest alert list, with residents urged to check for symptoms of the highly contagious disease.

Mosman Swim Centre, Fitness First, Bakers Delight, Bunnings and Coles are among the locations published on Wednesday by NSW Health.

The number of confirmed cases in Sydney has now risen to 11 since December last year.

“NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after another two cases were confirmed in Sydney,” Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Christine Selvey said.

“One case acquired measles locally in Sydney from a known case earlier this month, and the other case recently returned from South-East Asia.”

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“If symptoms develop, and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,” Selvey said.

She advised people to call ahead and tell their medical centres that they may have measles, so they don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.

NSW Health noted the alert locations “do not pose an ongoing risk” but anyone who was there are the specified times should monitor for symptoms.

Exposure Locations

Measles can spread in the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

It is also a vaccine-preventable disease.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Selvey said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.”

Check the full list of locations HERE.