NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Inner Sydney.
The case is a European tourist who travelled to Australia after visiting Vietnam where there is an ongoing outbreak of measles.
Sydney Local Health District Clinical Director of Public Health, Dr Leena Gupta said people who attended the following locations should be on the lookout for symptoms.
Wednesday, 11 December:
- Flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh City landing in Sydney at 11:45AM
- Sydney Airport International Terminal from 11:45AM to 2:00PM
- Bus Route 420 from Airport Terminal to Arncliffe Fire Station from 1:30PM to 2:30PM
- Bus Route 422 from Arncliffe Fire Station to Parramatta Road/Victoria Park from 1:30PM to 2:30PM
- Light Rail L1/L2 from Haymarket to Circular Quay station from 6:30PM to 7:30PM
- Laneway Cinema at The Rocks from 7:00PM to 9:45PM
- Light Rail L2/3 from Circular Quay station to Haymarket from 9:15PM to 10:15PM
- 7-Eleven Haymarket (Capital Square, George Street) from 9:30PM to 10:15PM
- Bus Route 431 from Haymarket to Glebe Point Road from 9:45PM to 10:45PM
Thursday, 12 December:
- 330 Wattle St, Ultimo NSW on Thursday, 12 December from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
- Bus Route 370 from Glebe Point Road to King Street, Newtown from 3:30PM to 4:30PM
- Bus Route 352 from King Street, Newtown to Redfern from 3:30PM to 4:30PM
- Harris Farm Redfern on Thursday, 12 December from 4:00PM to 4:45PM
- Bus Route 352 from Redfern to King Street from 4:15PM to 5:15PM
- Bus Route 370 from King Street, Newtown to Glebe Point Road from 4:15PM to 5:15PM
Sunday, 15 December:
Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre (pictured), 30-38 Short Street, Leichhardt from 4:30PM to 6:30PM
Monday, 16 December:
Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre, 30-38 Short Street, Leichhardt from 7:30AM to 9:30AM
“While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms,” Dr Gupta said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 3 January 2025.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations, particularly prior to international travel. The measles vaccine can also prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“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 and Australia has recently detected several travel-related measles cases.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet .
