Health Authorities Warn Measles Likely Circulating in Sydney

Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have issued a measles alert for Sydney, warning that the highly contagious virus is likely circulating within the community. The announcement came after a recently confirmed case in Sydney involved a person who had no known contact with an infected individual and had not visited any identified exposure sites.

In a statement, NSW Health noted that the source of infection remains unknown, raising concerns that others may have been exposed without realising it. Authorities are urging Sydney residents and visitors to confirm they are up to date with measles vaccinations and to monitor for symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough, and a blotchy rash that spreads from the head downward.

Mitchell Smith, Director of Public Health for the South Western Sydney Local Health District, explained that measles symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, making timely monitoring essential.

Australia has recorded 157 measles cases so far in 2025, with 29 of those reported in NSW, according to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.

The latest alert follows a previous warning issued on November 14, after a confirmed measles case from Queensland visited several central Sydney locations—including Sydney Airport and a concert attended by around 70,000 people—while infectious between November 8 and 10.