Source: New South Wales Health – State Government
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting locations across Sydney.
This is the third case of measles in travellers who have returned to NSW in the past week after visiting countries in South-East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
People who were on board the flight below or who attended the following locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
29 December 2025:
Flight QF748, Adelaide to Sydney, arriving in Sydney at 10:30pm
Sydney Airport Domestic Arrivals Hall Terminal 3 from 10:30pm to 11:00pm.
Please watch for symptoms until 16 January 2026.
3 January 2026:
Concord Repatriation General Hospital Emergency Department from 1:00pm to 4:10pm.
Please watch for symptoms until 21 January 2026.
The two other recent cases of measles in returned travellers also visited several locations across northern and western Sydney. For a full list of the public exposure locations visit the NSW Health website.
Western Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Conrad Moreira, said if you or someone you know visited the above locations at those times, you should monitor for symptoms.
“If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service (including emergency department). Call ahead to let them know that you have had contact with measles, so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Moreira said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”
Dr Moreira said the recent increase in measles cases in returned travellers is also an important reminder to people travelling overseas to areas with outbreaks to ensure you are fully protected.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Moreira said.
“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.
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“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.
Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet or measles information for travellers.
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
