Measles Alert Issued for Sydney Airport and Surrounding Areas
21 Feb 2026
The cases involve one returned traveller from South-East Asia and one interstate traveller.
While infectious, both individuals visited several locations across Sydney, including Sydney Airport, south west Sydney and northern Sydney. Updated exposure sites are listed on the NSW Health website. These locations no longer pose an ongoing risk, but people who were there at the listed times should monitor for symptoms.
Since 1 January 2026, 17 measles cases have been confirmed in NSW.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said people who attended exposure sites should watch for symptoms for up to 18 days after possible contact.
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough. A red, blotchy rash usually appears three to four days later, starting on the head and spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting their GP or emergency department to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
People who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have infants under 12 months who may have been exposed within the past six days should contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Measles spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. It is preventable with vaccination.
Dr Sheppeard reminded the community to check their vaccination status. Anyone born after 1965 should have received two doses of the measles vaccine. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free in NSW for eligible people and is available through GPs and pharmacies (for those over five years old).
Children travelling overseas can receive the MMR vaccine from six months of age after consulting their GP.
Further information is available through NSW Health and the Smart Traveller website for travel-related health advice.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Source: NSW Health
