Bold warning: measles is spreading in NSW, and awareness can stop its spread. NSW Health reports four new cases across the state, with three people contracting the virus locally and one arising from travel to Southeast Asia where outbreaks are ongoing. In the local cases, two have links to earlier NSW infections, while the source for the third is still being investigated.
The four individuals visited multiple sites across NSW while unaware they were infectious, including healthcare settings and locations in northern, southeastern, southwestern Sydney, Illawarra Shoalhaven, western NSW, and the mid-north coast. These sites are not considered ongoing risk locations at this time.
Since January 1, 2026, NSW has confirmed 14 measles cases, signaling a heightened risk period.
Dr. Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW, urges people to monitor for measles symptoms, especially if they may have visited the listed exposure locations during the specified times.
If you develop symptoms after being at one of these locations, promptly consult your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to inform them you may have been exposed to measles to avoid exposing other patients in waiting rooms.
Typical symptoms to watch for include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, usually followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the face or head and spreads downward over a few days.
Even if you have not visited any listed locations, if you notice early symptoms followed by a rash several days later, consider measles and seek testing.
Exposure can take up to 18 days before symptoms appear, so anyone who visited the listed sites should stay alert for the full window.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Vaccination remains the most effective protection. If you’re not up to date with vaccines, consider getting vaccinated early, as it can prevent the illness even after exposure if given promptly.
People born after 1965 should have two doses of the measles vaccine. This is particularly important for anyone planning international travel, given ongoing outbreaks in multiple regions.
The measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and provided free in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months old. It is also free for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t completed two doses.
Children under 12 months may receive an early first MMR dose if traveling overseas; parents should talk with their GP about this option.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, you can still get vaccinated—additional doses are safe, and this is especially important before travel. MMR vaccination is available from general practitioners for all ages and from pharmacies for those over five.
For travel-related health risk information and current measles outbreak updates for destinations, visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller site at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/.
If you or a loved one experiences measles symptoms or you have questions, contact your GP or Healthdirect at 1800 022 222.
Public release note: This material reflects the situation at the time of reporting and has been edited for clarity. For the full original, see Mirage News.
