Parents of two young children infected with measles in Sri Lanka refused to vaccinate them

Parents of two young children infected with measles during a trip to Sri Lanka earlier this month refused to vaccinate them.

The family returned to Australia this week, prompting health authorities to urgently call anyone who has been in contact with them to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The family returned to Sydney from Sri Lanka on January 11 via flight QF229 via Singapore before taking the train from the airport to Meadowbank.

Parents of two young children infected with measles during a trip to Sri Lanka earlier this month refused to vaccinate the (stock image)

NSW Health was informed on Friday of the existence of two children, bringing to eight the total number of cases reported in Sydney in the last three weeks.

Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that about 110,000 children were killed by measles in 2017.

Australia has succeeded in eliminating live strains of the measles virus through a comprehensive immunization program. However, occasional cases are usually detected abroad.

"If you develop symptoms, please call your doctor so you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients," said Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, at Sky News.

Currently, measles outbreaks in popular tourist destinations involve a high risk of catching the virus and reimporting it into the country. Tourists must therefore ensure that they are vaccinated, said Dr. Sheppeard.

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and coughing in the early stages of infection.

After a few days, a spotted, itchy, red rash appears on the face and spreads quickly all over the body.

At NSW, in 2017, about 95% of five-year-olds were vaccinated against measles, making it one of the highest immunization rates in the world.

Australia has succeeded in eliminating live strains of measles virus through a comprehensive vaccination program, although cases occur abroad (image in stock)