NSW Health has issued a measles alert for Sydney and Greater Western Sydney, prompting concern in suburbs including Chester Hill after 11 cases were confirmed since 1 December 2025 (current as at 21 January 2026). Health officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for symptoms after several infectious people — including travellers returning from overseas — visited multiple public and healthcare locations during the busy holiday period.
Exposure locations listed by NSW Health include the Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claims area (27 December 2025) and the Blacktown Hospital Emergency Department waiting room (29–30 December 2025), among many other sites across Sydney. NSW Health’s public exposure page instructs people who visited listed locations to monitor for symptoms for 18 days after the exposure date.
NSW Health’s public exposure page notes that listed times (except for flights) include a 30‑minute buffer to account for virus particles remaining in the air after a case has left the site. International public‑health authorities note that measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours in some circumstances. Residents who visited any of the exposure locations at the listed times should monitor their health and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
In a media release on 21 January 2026, NSW Health advised that early symptoms commonly include fever, runny nose, sore eyes (conjunctivitis) and cough, usually followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head down. The release urges anyone who develops symptoms to call their GP or the health service before attending so they do not spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.
NSW Health and immunisation data providers (NCIRS/AIR reports) indicate vaccination coverage has declined below the aspirational 95% target in parts of Australia, increasing the importance of checking immunisation status. NSW Health states the MMR vaccine is free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses; the vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and from some pharmacies (people over 5 years). Residents should contact their usual GP or local clinics — for example, Chester Hill Family Medical Practice — or local pharmacies to confirm availability and booking requirements.
Anyone unsure of their measles vaccination status is advised to seek a dose, as additional MMR doses are safe. If you are travelling overseas, check that you are up to date with measles vaccination before departure. If you or a loved one develop symptoms or have questions, contact your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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