New measles cases prompt Sydney health warning
21 Jan 2026
One of the cases was acquired locally after contact with a known measles case earlier this month, while the other involved a person who had recently returned from South-East Asia. Health authorities say the risk of measles in NSW is currently higher than usual, with 11 cases recorded since 1 December 2025. With more people returning from overseas travel, further cases are expected.
Both recently confirmed cases visited a number of locations across Sydney while infectious, including some healthcare settings. NSW Health has advised that these venues do not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who was present at the listed times should remain vigilant. Exposure locations and times are regularly updated on the NSW Health website.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Christine Selvey, said people should watch for symptoms and seek medical care if they become unwell after visiting an exposure site.
“If symptoms develop, people should contact their GP or health service and call ahead before attending, to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms,” she said.
Early symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore or red eyes and a cough, followed a few days later by a red, blotchy rash that usually first seen on the face, then spreads more widely
Measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease, spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. NSW Health is reminding the community to ensure vaccinations are up to date, noting that the measles vaccine can still prevent illness after exposure if given early enough.
Anyone born after 1965 should have received two doses of the measles vaccine. This is particularly important for people planning overseas travel, as outbreaks are occurring in several parts of the world.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months of age, and for anyone born after 1965 who has not had two documented doses. Extra doses are safe if vaccination history is uncertain. The vaccine is available through GPs for all ages and through pharmacies for people aged over five years.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Source: NSW Health media release
