An unvaccinated child who has returned to Byron Bay, was reported to have contracted measles whilst on a trip to New Zealand- sparking fear of an outbreak as health authorities note that one in three children in the New South Wales town are not vaccinated.
The potential outbreak was noted after the child had already visited Suffolk Park shopping areas, Harvest Deli and Bakery in Newrybar and Elements Resort and Spa, while infectious- having developed symptoms four days after returning to Australia.
Chair of the Northern New South Wales Local Health District Dr Brian Pezzutti states that "there must be more pressure from the community to make sure these children are immunised".
Local health authorities have been monitoring the situation closely to ensure that children who have been exposed to the disease are sent to Byron Bay Hospital for urgent medical care.