Sydney
A measles health alert has been issued in Sydney after a confirmed case was detected in a traveler who passed through the city's international airport while infectious.
New South Wales (NSW) Health said the case arrived from Southeast Asia on Monday aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN773. Passengers on that flight and anyone in the arrivals and baggage areas between 8:00–9:30 a.m. have been urged to monitor for symptoms until July 8.
Mitchell Smith, acting director of Public Health for South Western Sydney, warned of initial symptoms including fever, sore eyes, cough, and runny nose, followed by a rash spreading from the face down the body.
This alert comes amid rising measles cases in Australia — 80 reported already in 2025, compared to 57 in all of 2024 and just 26 in 2023.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing near an infected person. It primarily affects children and can lead to serious complications, even death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that measles killed over 107,000 people globally in 2023 — mostly young children — despite the availability of an effective vaccine.
Vaccination remains the best protection. Health authorities strongly urge Australians, especially travelers, to check their immunisation status.
People at risk or showing symptoms are advised to seek medical care and call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further spread.