Measles alert issued in Sydney after traveller from South Asia tests positive
A traveller from South Asia brought confirmed measles into Sydney, visiting the airport and several locations including a hospital before diagnosis.
A traveller arrived at Sydney International Airport on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok on November 7. The person had a confirmed measles infection.
The person was in the airport between 9.10pm and 11pm. The next day, they visited several Sydney locations, including the emergency department at Canterbury Hospital in Campsie.
NSW Health is alerting anyone at those locations to watch for symptoms. These include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and cough, then a red blotchy rash.
People should call ahead if they suspect exposure. This stops them waiting in rooms with others.
Australia has recorded 113 measles cases so far this year. Of those, 58 are in NSW.
Most came from people returning from South and Southeast Asia where outbreaks are happening. Around 1.7 million Australians lack sufficient immunity to the disease.
- 58 out of 113 in Australia
- Confirmed measles cases in NSW
- 1.7 million
- Australians without measles immunity
- 9:10pm to 11pm
- Arrival time at airport
Why it mattersInfants not yet fully vaccinated and those with weakened immune systems face serious risk from measles complications including lung infection and brain inflammation.
AustraliaSydney residents who attended the listed locations may be at risk and should monitor for symptoms over the next 18 days and ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
