Australian health authorities have reported multiple measles cases across Western Australia, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland from late December 2025 through March 2026. Several public locations have been identified as potential exposure sites, prompting health officials to advise residents to monitor for symptoms and ensure their vaccination status is up-to-date. The majority of confirmed cases are linked to international travel, although several instances of local transmission have also been identified.
Recent Case Overview and Trends
New South Wales has recorded the highest number of cases, with 33 confirmed since January 1, 2026. These include cases acquired both internationally (primarily from South-East Asia) and locally, with some local transmissions linked to previously confirmed cases. In Western Australia, five cases have been reported in 2026, following 63 cases recorded in 2025. Queensland's Gold Coast reported two cases linked to overseas travel, and the Australian Capital Territory confirmed one case also involving a recent international traveler.
Measles Information
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. These droplets can remain infectious in a room for up to 30 minutes after an infected individual has departed. Infected individuals are contagious from one day before symptoms begin until four days after the rash appears.
Symptoms typically manifest around 10 days post-exposure, with an incubation period ranging from 7 to 18 days, and in some instances, up to three weeks. Initial symptoms include:
- Fever
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore, red eyes
A characteristic red, blotchy rash usually appears three to four days after the initial symptoms. The rash typically begins on the head and face before spreading across the body and can last for four to seven days.
Potential complications from measles include pneumonia and, less frequently, encephalitis (brain inflammation). Individuals who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or young children are at a higher risk of severe illness.
Public Health Advice
Individuals who visited any of the identified exposure locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for measles symptoms for up to 18 days following their visit. If symptoms develop, individuals should:
- Contact their doctor or health service (including emergency departments) by phone before arriving to allow staff to make necessary arrangements and prevent further transmission.
- Wear a a face mask upon arrival to medical facilities.
Specific advice for vulnerable groups: Pregnant individuals, those with weakened immune systems, or those with infants who were exposed within the last six days are urged to contact their local Public Health Unit.
Health authorities have stated that identified exposure locations do not pose an ongoing risk of measles outside the listed dates and times.
Vaccination and Immunity
Vaccination is considered the most effective method of protection against measles. Individuals are generally considered immune if they have documented evidence of receiving two measles vaccinations or were born before 1966. While vaccinated individuals may occasionally contract measles, the infection is typically milder and of shorter duration.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is:
- Provided free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
- Available free in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory for individuals born after 1965 who have not received two doses.
- Recommended, particularly before international travel, due to ongoing measles outbreaks in several global regions, including South-East Asia.
- Effective in preventing the disease even after exposure if administered early enough (within 72 hours of exposure for the ACT).
- Safe for children aged six months or older to receive an early MMR dose if traveling internationally, following consultation with a general practitioner.
- Considered safe to receive additional doses for those unsure of their vaccination status.
Identified Public Exposure Locations
Western Australia (Perth Metropolitan Area)- Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
- Wembley Golf Club, 200 The Boulevard, Perth WA 6019: 11:15 AM to 11:50 AM
- Thursday, January 15, 2026:
- Toyota Melville, N Lake Rd & Leach Hwy, Perth WA 6156: 7:50 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM
- Friday, January 16, 2026:
- Bunnings O’Connor, South St & Yarrick St, Perth WA 6163: 7:10 AM to 7:50 AM
- Woolworths Coolbellup, 1 Waverley Rd, Perth WA 6163: 7:05 PM to 7:40 PM
- Monday, January 19, 2026:
- South Street Pharmacy, 386 South St, Perth WA 6163: 8:40 AM to 9:15 AM
- Fiona Stanley Hospital Emergency Department: Monday night (specific date unspecified but linked to an early January alert), between 6:50 PM and 10:05 PM
- Between March 5 and March 11, 2026:
- St John of God Midland Hospital's emergency department (visited twice)
- Several grocery stores (specific names unspecified)
- Saturday, December 27, 2025:
- Flight GA712 from Jakarta to Sydney: Arrived 10:45 AM
- Sydney Airport International Arrivals Hall: 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM
- Train: Thornleigh Station to Epping Station: Approximately 11:00 AM
- Bus: Epping Station to Macquarie Centre: Approximately 11:00 AM
- Macquarie Centre (including Mitzu Restaurant, children's play area, F&L Gourmet Restaurant): 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday, December 28, 2025:
- Storey Park playground, Asquith: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
- Monday, December 29, 2025:
- Blacktown Hospital Emergency Department waiting room: 12:00 PM (December 29) to 6:00 AM (December 30)
- Tuesday, December 30, 2025:
- Waitara Oval: 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Jamie's Kitchen and children's play area, Waitara PCYC: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
- Aldi Supermarket, Westfield Shopping Centre, Hornsby: 2:45 PM to 4:15 PM
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025:
- Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital Emergency Department: Various times from 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
- Priceline Pharmacy, St Clair: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Thursday, January 15, 2026:
- Big W and Woolworths, Warringah Mall: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday, January 16, 2026:
- Nepean Hospital Emergency Department: 7:50 PM (January 16) until 7:40 PM (January 17)
- Sunday, January 18, 2026:
- Manly Dam: 4:00 PM to 5:40 PM
- Coles Balgowlah: 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM
- Monday, February 10, 2026:
- Fitzroy Falls: 12:25 PM to 1:45 PM
- Fitzroy Falls Souvenir Shop: 1:00 PM to 1:40 PM
- Southern Rise Bakery in Robertson: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM
- Robertson Supermarket and Bottleshop: 2:20 PM to 2:50 PM
- Tuesday, February 11, 2026:
- Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Calderwood: 10:55 AM to 11:35 AM
- Blue Jay Cafe in Albion Park: 11:05 AM to 11:50 AM
- Saturday, March 14, 2026:
- 7-Eleven, Kingswood: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Multiple services on the T1 Western Line train (specific times/trains unspecified)
- Sunday, March 15, 2026:
- High Street Family Doctors, Penrith
- Mid-March (specific dates unspecified, prior to March 18 alert):
- Nepean Hospital: Children’s Ward and Emergency Department
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026:
- Woolworths, Jordan Springs: 8:15 AM to 9:20 AM
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026:
- Young Academics Early Learning Centre, Cranebrook: 8:55 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:10 PM to 4:45 PM
- Baby Bunting Penrith, Jamisontown: 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
- Kmart Penrith - Nepean Village: 2:30 PM to 3:20 PM
- Brell House, St Marys: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday, March 19, 2026:
- Scent Method Warehouse, Prestons: 11:30 AM to 12:10 PM
- Terry White Chemist, Jordan Springs: 6:00 PM to 6:50 PM
- Friday, March 20, 2026:
- Young Academics Early Learning Centre, Cranebrook: 8:50 AM to 9:25 AM and 5:00 PM to 5:35 PM
- Parx Coffee House, Cranebrook: 8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
- Subway, Jordan Springs: 7:00 PM to 7:35 PM
- Saturday, March 21, 2026:
- XS Espresso, Jordan Springs: 11:50 AM to 12:35 PM
- Monday, February 16, 2026:
- Hertz Car Rental Agency, Canberra Airport: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Arrivals area (ground level), Canberra Airport: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Wednesday, February 18, 2026:
- Gungahlin Walk-In Centre: 3:15 PM to 5:40 PM
- Emergency Department waiting room, Canberra Hospital: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Between March 7 and March 22, 2026:
- RACV Royal Pines Resort, Benowa (specific date/time within range unspecified)
- Mudgee Bah Espresso Cafe, Mudgeeraba (specific date/time within range unspecified)
- Friday, March 8, 2026:
- Gold Coast Hillsong Church: 5:15 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday, March 9, 2026:
- Robina Town Centre: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday, March 10, 2026:
- ALDI Robina: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM