08/04/2026
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who visited locations in Newcastle and Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including a healthcare facility.
The case is a returned traveller who is suspected to have acquired their infection overseas in India, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx).
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 42 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Physician with Hunter New England Local Health District, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Durrheim 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.
“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."
“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet: (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx.
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website (www.smartraveller.gov.au ) 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.
