Health authorities across multiple Australian states have issued public alerts after a number of measles cases were confirmed in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland. Officials have identified numerous exposure sites and are urging anyone who visited these locations to monitor for symptoms.
Overview of Cases
As of the latest reports, NSW has confirmed 49 measles cases since January 1, 2026. Cases have been identified in both returning travelers and individuals with no recent overseas travel history, with multiple cases linked to previous confirmed cases in the state.
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT Health reported one case on February 20, 2026, in an individual who had recently returned from overseas travel.
- Western Australia: WA Health has confirmed five measles cases in 2026, following 63 cases recorded in the state in 2025.
- Queensland: Gold Coast Health reported two measles cases in individuals who contracted the infection overseas before returning to Australia.
Exposure Sites
Health authorities stress that these sites do not pose an ongoing risk to the public but are listed for monitoring purposes.
Australian Capital Territory
Date Location Time Monday, February 16 Hertz Car Rental Agency, Canberra Airport 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Monday, February 16 Arrivals area (ground level), Canberra Airport 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Wednesday, February 18 Gungahlin Walk-In Centre 3:15 PM - 5:40 PM Wednesday, February 18 Emergency Department waiting room, Canberra Hospital 6:00 PM - 8:30 PMWestern Australia
First Case (January 2026)
Date Location Time Wednesday, January 14 Wembley Golf Club, Perth 11:15 AM - 11:50 AM Thursday, January 15 Toyota Melville, Perth 7:50 AM - 8:30 AM & 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM Friday, January 16 Bunnings O'Connor, Perth 7:10 AM - 7:50 AM Friday, January 16 Woolworths Coolbellup, Perth 7:05 PM - 7:40 PM Monday, January 19 South Street Pharmacy, Perth 8:40 AM - 9:15 AMSubsequent Case (March 2026)
Date Location Time March 5-11 Multiple locations, including St John of God Midland Hospital emergency department Specified on WA Health websiteNew South Wales
Northern Sydney (Late December 2025 - January 2026)
Date Location Time Saturday, December 27 Train from Thornleigh Station to Epping Station ~11:00 AM Saturday, December 27 Bus from Epping Station to Macquarie Centre ~11:00 AM Saturday, December 27 Macquarie Centre 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturday, December 27 Mitzu Restaurant, Macquarie Centre 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM Saturday, December 27 Macquarie Centre children's play area 2:20 PM - 4:00 PM Saturday, December 27 F&L Gourmet Restaurant, Macquarie Centre 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday, December 28 Storey Park playground, Asquith 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 30 Waitara Oval 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Tuesday, December 30 Jamie's Kitchen and play area, Waitara PCYC 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Tuesday, December 30 Aldi Supermarket, Westfield Hornsby 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM Wednesday, December 31 Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital Emergency Department 5:15 PM - 8:00 PMWestern & Northern Sydney (January - March 2026)
Date Location Time Wednesday, January 14 Priceline Pharmacy, St Clair 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Thursday, January 15 Big W and Woolworths, Warringah Mall 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Friday, Jan 16 - Sat, Jan 17 Nepean Hospital Emergency Department 7:50 PM - 7:40 PM Sunday, January 18 Manly Dam 4:00 PM - 5:40 PM Sunday, January 18 Coles Balgowlah 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM Saturday, March 14 7-Eleven, Kingswood 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Sunday, March 15 High Street Family Doctors, Penrith Time not specified March 17-21 Multiple locations (Woolworths Jordan Springs, Baby Bunting Penrith, etc.) Various times on NSW Health websiteSydney CBD & Inner Sydney
Date Location Time June 16 Coles Central Kings Cross 11:30 PM - 12:30 AM June 17 Maryane Hair and Beaute, Darlinghurst 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM June 18 Potts Point Laundry & Dry Cleaning 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM June 18 Savvy Hair Boutique, Martin Place 10:45 AM - 3:30 PM June 18 Terry White Chemmart Kings Cross 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM June 18 T4 train (Martin Place to Kings Cross) 10:20 AM - 10:45 AM June 18 T4 train (Kings Cross to Martin Place) 3:20 PM - 3:45 PMQueensland (Gold Coast, March 2026)
Date Location Time March 7-22 Multiple locations in Robina area Various times March 8 Gold Coast Hillsong Church 5:15 PM - 8:30 PM March 9 Robina Town Centre 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM March 10 ALDI Robina 3:00 PM - 4:00 PMAbout Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through airborne droplets. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 30 minutes after an infected person leaves a room.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear approximately 10 days after exposure (range: 7 to 18 days). Common symptoms include:
- Fever, tiredness, and fatigue
- Runny nose
- Sore, red eyes
- Cough
A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3 to 4 days after initial symptoms, beginning on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash may persist for up to a week.
Complications
Complications can include pneumonia and, less frequently, encephalitis. Individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness.
Infectious Period
Individuals are contagious from one day before symptoms begin until four days after the rash appears.
Health Advice
For Individuals Who Visited Exposure Sites
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days following potential exposure.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
- Call your doctor or emergency department before arriving to inform staff of potential measles exposure.
- Wear a face mask upon arrival at a healthcare facility.
Vaccination Information
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The MMR vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure if administered early enough.
Key recommendations:
- Individuals born after 1965 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine.
- The MMR vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months.
- In NSW, the vaccine is free for any resident born after 1965 who has not received two doses.
- Infants aged 6-11 months traveling internationally can receive an early dose after consulting a GP.
For High-Risk Individuals
If you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have an infant who was exposed in the past six days, contact your local Public Health Unit:
- NSW: 1300 066 055
- ACT: (02) 5124 9213
General Inquiries
For questions about measles symptoms, contact your GP or Healthdirect: 1800 022 222.
Additional Information
Health authorities recommend confirming your vaccination status, especially before international travel. Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions, including South-East Asia.
For more details, visit your state health department's measles factsheet or the Australian Government Smart Traveller website.