Measles alert for Sydney 29 Aug
29 Aug 2025
NSW Health has confirmed a new case of measles in Sydney and is warning people to watch out for symptoms after the infected person visited several busy locations while contagious.
The person had recently returned from South-East Asia, where measles outbreaks are ongoing in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Where and when exposure may have happened
People who were at the following locations during the listed times may have been exposed to measles. These locations are safe now, but visitors should monitor for symptoms:
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Aug 20: Coles Zetland, UNSW Main Library
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Aug 21: Bus 320 Zetland–Surry Hills, multiple Surry Hills shops, KFC Chalmers St, Savers Surry Hills
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Aug 22: Coles Zetland
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Aug 24: Bowan Bakery Zetland, Vodafone & Optus Zetland, Green Square & Circular Quay train services, Gateway Sydney Foodcourt
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Aug 25: Maroubra Urgent Care Centre, Maroubra Medical & Dental Centre, ALDI Pacific Square Maroubra, Bus 396 Maroubra–Kensington, Lucky Supermarket Kensington
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Aug 27: Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Department, Randwick
What to watch for
According to Dr Isabel Hess, Sydney Local Health District’s Deputy Director of Public Health, measles spreads easily through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms usually appear 7–18 days after exposure and include:
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Fever
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Runny nose
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Sore, red eyes
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Cough
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A red, blotchy rash (appearing 3–4 days later, spreading from the head downwards)
People exposed should watch for symptoms until 15 September. If symptoms develop, they should call ahead before visiting a GP or hospital to avoid spreading the infection in waiting rooms.
Vaccination advice
Measles is preventable with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. NSW Health reminds everyone:
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Anyone born after 1965 should have two doses of the vaccine.
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Children receive free doses at 12 months and 18 months.
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The vaccine is free in NSW for anyone who needs it.
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Children as young as six months can be vaccinated if travelling overseas.
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Unsure of your vaccination history? It is safe to have another dose.
The vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (over 5 years).
For more details, see the NSW Health measles factsheet.
Source: NSW Health
