05/05/2026
Measles alert please be aware
NSW Health is advising people in Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case. This case is a returned traveller from Southeast Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles. The person visited several locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious. Including a healthcare facility.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website: https://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 six 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 46 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026. Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Leena Gupta, 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 Gupta 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."
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
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.
