NSW Health issues measles alert after confirmed case linked to overseas traveller, multiple exposure sites listed

A confirmed measles case has sparked a public health alert across NSW, with health authorities warning infectious exposure may have occurred at multiple healthcare and community locations.

The alert was issued after NSW Health was notified of a confirmed case in a returned traveller from South and Southeast Asia, where ongoing outbreaks of measles are being reported.

The person was infectious while visiting several sites across the state, including healthcare facilities.

NSW Health has confirmed a full list of exposure locations is published on its website and is being updated as contact tracing continues.

Some of the exposure locations include 7-Eleven Emerald Hills, Southgate Shopping Centre in Sylvania, Caringbah Auto Repairs and Service, and Marrickville’s Philter Brewery, alongside a number of medical centres, retail outlets and transport hubs across western, southern and inner Sydney.

Also listed is a China Airlines flight from Taipei to Sydney, which arrived on April 26.

Authorities stressed the listed venues do not pose an ongoing risk, but urged anyone who attended during the listed times to monitor for symptoms.

There are currently 48 confirmed measles cases in NSW since January 1, 2026, with health officials warning the risk of further transmission remains elevated.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Public Health Unit Staff Specialist Alvis Zibran said vigilance is essential, particularly for those who may have visited exposure sites.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed above, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,” Dr Zibran said.

“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 and wear a mask.

Dr Zibran said symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and 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,” he said.

“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 spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with officials urging the community to check vaccination status.

“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 Zibran said.

He said that 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 vaccine is free and routinely given to children at 12 and 18 months of age in NSW. It is also available free for anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses.

Children under 12 months can receive an early additional dose from six months of age if travelling overseas, with medical advice recommended beforehand.

Health authorities said additional MMR doses are safe for those unsure of their vaccination history, with vaccines available through GPs and pharmacies for eligible age groups.