NSW Health has issued a fresh warning for Sydneysiders to remain vigilant after another case of measles was confirmed in a traveller returning from a country experiencing a surge in infections. The alert, released on Monday, brings the total number of measles cases recorded in New South Wales to 45 so far in 2026.
Infection Linked to Japan Travel
The individual is believed to have contracted the highly contagious disease during a holiday in Japan, where measles cases have been on the rise recently. The infected traveller arrived in Sydney on Sunday via China Airlines flight CI51 from Taipei, landing at 10:40 am. They remained in the arrivals terminal baggage claim area until approximately 12:30 pm.
Exposure Sites Across Sydney
While unknowingly infectious, the person visited multiple locations across the city, including Concord Repatriation General Hospital and the Crowne Plaza hotel in Burwood. A full list of exposure sites is being updated regularly and is available on the NSW Health website. Health officials stress that these locations no longer pose any ongoing health threat.
Anyone who was present at these sites during the specified times is urged to monitor for symptoms over the next few weeks. The incubation period for measles can be up to 18 days after exposure.
Advice for Vulnerable Groups
Pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and infants who attended any of the listed locations within the past six days are advised to contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055. Dr Isabel Hess, Deputy Director of the Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, emphasised the importance of seeking medical care if symptoms develop.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,” Dr Hess said. “Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.”
Symptoms and Prevention
Measles symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, but it is preventable through vaccination.
Dr Hess reminded the community to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations. “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment,” she said.
Free MMR Vaccine Available
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free of charge in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not already received two doses, as well as for children at 12 months and 18 months of age. Health authorities urge everyone to check their vaccination status and get immunised to protect themselves and the community.
