A measles warning has been issued in Sydney after a returned traveller moved through the international arrivals area at Sydney Airport and later visited Blacktown Hospital emergency department. NSW Health is urging anyone who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms into mid January.
NSW Health said on Wednesday it had been notified of a confirmed measles case involving someone who recently returned from South East Asia, where outbreaks are continuing in several countries in the region.
The department said people who were on the same flight, or who were in specific locations at set times, should monitor their health , even though the venues no longer pose an ongoing risk.
The case flew from Jakarta on GA712, which touched down in Sydney. NSW Health said the individual was also in the Sydney Airport International Arrivals Hall between that day.
Western Sydney Local Health District acting director of public health Dr Conrad Moreira asked those who visited any of the listed venues at the relevant times to be vigilant for early symptoms and take action so as to not spread the virus to others should they become unwell.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough,” Dr Moreira said in a statement, adding that after a few days measles is usually followed by a red, blotchy rash commencing on the head and face and then spreading.
According to NSW Health, the time it takes for someone to show the signs of measles after being exposed can vary anywhere from 10 days to 18 days, meaning that anyone who has been potentially exposed will need to monitor themselves for symptoms until January 17, 2026.
If an individual develops symptoms, they should reach out to their local GP or other healthcare service and inform them by telephone before going in so that they can be directed on how to manage their condition as safely as possible.
In response to the recent incidence of measles, NSW Health has issued another urgent reminder regarding vaccination. Prior to travelling, residents are encouraged to ensure that they have received the appropriate vaccinations.
If a person has been exposed to measles, they can receive an injection of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of exposure in order to prevent them from becoming infected.
New South Wales Health provides the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination free of charge to all children at 12 months and 18 months old.
NSW Health also provides the MMR vaccination for free for any individual born in Australia after 1965 who has never received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
For children younger than 12 months who are travelling outside of Australia, a dose of MMR can be administered as early as six months of age, and parents should discuss options with their GP.
According to NSW Health, there is no harm in people who think that they have received only one or no doses of the MMR vaccine receiving an additional dose.
MMR vaccinations are available for people of all ages from GPs and can be obtained from pharmacies for children aged five and older.
