NSW Health has issued a warning for residents of northern Sydney after confirming a case of measles in an individual who was infectious while visiting multiple locations. The case involves a traveler who recently returned from Indonesia, where outbreaks of measles are ongoing. This individual was also identified as a contact of a confirmed measles case during their return flight to Australia.
Individuals who were present at specific locations during the following dates should closely monitor for symptoms of measles. Notably, these locations do not pose an ongoing risk to the public.
Locations and Times of Potential Exposure
On Saturday, December 27, 2025, the infectious individual traveled from Thornleigh Station to Epping Station around 11:00. They then proceeded to the Macquarie Centre from 12:00 to 19:00, visiting various establishments including:
– **Mitzu Restaurant** from 13:00 to 14:20
– **Macquarie Centre children’s play area** from 14:20 to 16:00
– **F&L Gourmet Restaurant** from 17:00 to 19:00
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the individual was at Storey Park playground in Asquith from 12:30 to 14:00. Additional visits included:
– **Waitara Oval** on December 30, from 13:00 to 13:30
– **Jamie’s Kitchen and children’s play area** at Waitara PCYC from 13:30 to 15:00
– **Aldi Supermarket** at Westfield Shopping Centre, Hornsby** from 14:45 to 16:15
– **Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital Emergency Department** on December 31, from 17:15 to 20:00
The full list of locations and their respective times is available on the NSW Health website.
Health Advisory and Symptoms to Monitor
Dr. Sean Tobin, Acting Director of Public Health for the Northern Sydney Local Health District, stressed the importance of monitoring for symptoms. “If you or someone you know visited the above locations at those times, you should monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service, including the emergency department,” he advised.
The symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a cough. These typically appear three to four days before a red, blotchy rash emerges, spreading from the head and face to the rest of the body. Dr. Tobin emphasized that symptoms may take up to 18 days to manifest following exposure. Therefore, individuals who visited these locations should remain vigilant for symptoms until January 18, 2026.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Dr. Tobin urged the community to ensure their vaccinations are current. “The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure if given quickly enough,” he noted.
Anyone born after 1965 should confirm they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, particularly before traveling internationally, as outbreaks are occurring in various regions worldwide. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and it is available free for children at 12 and 18 months of age in New South Wales. It is also provided free for anyone born after 1965 who has not yet received two doses.
Children younger than 12 months can receive a dose of MMR from six months of age if traveling overseas. Parents are advised to consult with their general practitioner (GP) regarding vaccinations. For those uncertain about their vaccination status, receiving an additional dose is safe and recommended, especially before travel.
MMR vaccines are available at GPs for all ages and at pharmacies for individuals over five years old. For more information about measles, the public can access a detailed factsheet on the NSW Health website. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of measles, or if you have any questions, please contact your GP or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222.
