A public health alert has been issued for Sydney following the return of a traveler from Indonesia, who has been confirmed to have measles. The individual was informed after arriving back in Australia that they had been on a flight with another person who also tested positive for the virus. This development has prompted NSW Health to advise residents in northern Sydney to be vigilant for symptoms if they have visited certain locations recently.
Dr. Sean Tobin from the Northern Sydney Local Health District emphasized the symptoms to watch for, which include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and cough, typically followed 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 until 18 January 2026,” Dr. Tobin explained.
Locations and Times of Potential Exposure
NSW Health has detailed several locations where exposure may have occurred, urging individuals who were present at these sites during specific times to be particularly cautious:
- Saturday, 27 December 2025: Train from Thornleigh Station to Epping Station, then bus to Macquarie Centre around 11am; Macquarie Centre from 12pm to 7pm; Mitzu Restaurant from 1pm to 2.20pm; Macquarie Centre children’s play area from 2.20pm to 4pm; F&L Gourmet Restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.
- Sunday, 28 December 2025: Storey Park playground, Asquith, from 12.30pm to 2pm.
- Tuesday, 30 December 2025: Waitara Oval from 1pm to 1:30pm; Jamie’s Kitchen and children’s play area, Waitara PCYC, from 1.30pm to 3pm; Aldi Supermarket, Westfield Shopping Centre, Hornsby from 2.45pm to 4.15pm.
- Wednesday, 31 December 2025: Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital Emergency Department, various times from 5.15pm to 8pm.
Understanding the Threat of Measles
The World Health Organization describes measles as “one of the most contagious respiratory viruses” known. The disease poses a significant threat, particularly to children, with statistics indicating that about one in five children who contract measles require hospitalization. In 2024 alone, the virus claimed the lives of 10,000 people worldwide.
“Measles is spread through the air when someone infected coughs or sneezes. It can, however, be prevented by vaccines,” Dr. Tobin noted.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. Dr. Tobin urged the community to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, highlighting that the measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure if administered promptly. He also clarified that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is both safe and effective, provided free to children at 12 and 18 months of age.
Vaccination and Prevention Efforts
NSW Health is advising anyone born after 1965 to confirm they have received two doses of the vaccine. For those uncertain about their vaccination history, additional doses are deemed safe. This advisory is particularly pertinent for individuals planning to travel overseas, as they should verify their vaccination status to prevent potential outbreaks.
This alert comes amid ongoing global efforts to curb the spread of measles, a disease that, despite being preventable, continues to pose a public health challenge. The situation in Sydney underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive health measures to protect communities from infectious diseases.
As Sydney residents monitor for symptoms and ensure their vaccinations are current, health authorities continue to track the situation closely, ready to implement further measures if necessary.
