NSW New Measles Alert For Sydney 9 February
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of two new confirmed cases in Sydney.
Of the two new cases, one case acquired measles locally in Sydney, and the other case recently returned from South-East Asia.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 10 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
People who attended the following locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Saturday, 31 January 2026:
Tuesday, 3 February 2026:
Friday, 6 February and Saturday, 7 February 2026:
The locally acquired case attended a coffee shop co-located with Burwood Urgent Care Clinic at 8 Elsie St, Burwood, when a previous case attended on 22 January 2026. Other people who entered the Elsie Suites building at that time may also have developed measles. Anyone who has had symptoms after visiting this location between 8am and 10am on the 22 January should seek testing.
The list of exposure locations and times is regularly updated on the NSW Health website: Measles public exposure locations in NSW.
Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Conrad Moreira, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles and check the list of locations on the NSW Health website to see if they visited any of these at the listed time.
"If the early symptoms of measles develop and you've been at one of the locations at the time listed above or 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 Moreira 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.
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. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough," Dr Moreira 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."
The 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 a 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).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.
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.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20260209_01.aspx
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