Source: New South Wales Health – State Government
NSW Health is advising people in northern and western Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a new confirmed case.
This person acquired their infection locally. They had no known contact with any other measles cases and did not attend any known exposure locations.
With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to the virus.
The person visited several locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.
People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 27 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Stephen Conaty 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 Conaty 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.
“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.
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Conaty 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.”
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 an extra, early, 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).
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.