Measles alert issued
Sydney
Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have issued a measles alert for northern Sydney after a confirmed case visited multiple locations while infectious. The person was contagious on September 25 and 27, visiting a supermarket, restaurant, cafe, and pharmacist in the northern beaches area.
The case is linked to another recent measles infection in the same region. People who were at these locations during the same time are advised to watch for symptoms until mid-October.
Michael Staff, Director of Public Health for Northern Sydney, said symptoms include fever, sore eyes, cough, and a rash that spreads from the head and neck to the whole body.
According to the federal National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 130 measles cases have been confirmed in Australia so far in 2025—more than in the previous five years combined. Most cases are among people aged 20-34 and young children aged 0-4.
Staff reminded everyone to check their measles vaccination status. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It causes symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Vaccination remains the best protection against measles, preventing illness and stopping its spread. The vaccine is safe and effective.
Before vaccines, measles caused major epidemics every few years, killing millions annually. In 2023 alone, an estimated 107,500 people died from measles, mostly children under five, despite vaccine availability.
Symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after exposure and begin with a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and white spots inside the mouth. The rash starts on the face and neck, spreading over three days to the hands and feet before fading after about five days.
Stay vigilant and ensure your vaccinations are up to date.
