NSW Health Issues Measles Alert for Sydney Residents
20 Nov 2025
NSW Health Issues Measles Alert for Sydney Residents
NSW Health is warning the community to be vigilant for measles after a recent case was confirmed in Sydney. The source of infection is unknown, suggesting measles may currently be circulating in the community, and others could have been unknowingly exposed.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include:
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Fever
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Sore eyes
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Runny nose
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Cough
These are usually followed after three to four days by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. Symptoms may appear up to 18 days after exposure.
Dr Mitchell Smith, Director of Public Health for South Western Sydney, advises anyone who develops symptoms to call ahead to their GP or emergency department to avoid exposing others in waiting areas.
Vaccination guidance:
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Anyone born after 1965 should have two doses of the measles vaccine.
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Children receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine free at 12 and 18 months.
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In NSW, anyone born after 1965 who has not had two doses can receive the vaccine for free.
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Infants aged 6–12 months travelling overseas can receive an early additional MMR dose.
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People unsure about their vaccination status are advised to get vaccinated, as extra doses are safe.
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MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and pharmacies for those over 5 years.
For more details, residents can view the measles fact sheet.
Source: NSW Health
