Measles case triggers health warning across Sydney

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 09:57

If you have been to these locations, authorities advise you to monitor for symptoms.

Health authorities are urging Sydneysiders to stay alert after a confirmed measles case was linked to busy locations across the city – including a flight into Sydney and a hospital emergency department.

A traveller who returned from Japan, where infection rates are climbing, visited multiple sites across the community while contagious.

Among them are China Airlines flight CI51 from Taipei to Sydney on April 26, the arrivals and baggage claim area at Sydney International Airport, the Crowne Plaza in Burwood, and the emergency department at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.

NSW Health says these venues do not present an ongoing risk, but anyone who was there at the specified times should monitor for symptoms.

People who may have been exposed – particularly pregnant women, infants, or those with weakened immune systems – are advised to contact their local Public Health Unit if it has been less than six days since attending one of the sites.

There have been 45 confirmed measles cases in NSW since the start of the year, placing authorities on alert.

Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Deputy Director Dr Isabel Hess said it's critical that anyone who may have been exposed pays close attention to early signs of illness.

She says her son was unvaccinated when he contracted the measles virus.

"Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose 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."

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious in shared spaces.

"Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine.

"This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."

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A crowd of people in Sydney and a 3D rendering of the measles virus.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is provided free for children at 12 and 18 months, and is also available at no cost in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses.

Anyone unsure if they've had two doses should get vaccinated, as extra doses are safe.

Parents travelling with young children are encouraged to speak with their GP about early vaccination options.

The MMR jab is available from GPs for all ages, and from pharmacies for those over five years old.

For advice or if symptoms appear, people are encouraged to contact their GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

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