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 four new cases across the state.
Three of the cases have not travelled overseas and acquired their infection in NSW. Two of these locally acquired cases have a link to earlier NSW cases and the source of the third remains under investigation.
The fourth case is a returned traveller from South East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
The four cases have visited several locations across NSW while unknowingly infectious.
Exposure sites include healthcare facilities and locations in northern, south eastern, and south western Sydney, Illawarra Shoalhaven, western NSW and the mid north coast. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 14 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“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. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Selvey said.
“Symptoms to watch out for 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.
Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.
“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.”Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“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,” Dr Selvey said.
“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 their first dose of MMR up to six months early 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).
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.