Sydney, Australia – Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW) are urging vigilance following the confirmation of two new measles cases, with potential exposure sites including Sydney Airport and locations in the city’s southwest and inner south. The alerts, issued on , come amid ongoing measles outbreaks in Southeast Asia, raising concerns about imported cases and potential community transmission.
One of the confirmed cases involves a traveller recently returned from Southeast Asia, specifically from countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where measles outbreaks are currently active. The second case is an individual who travelled interstate. Both individuals were unknowingly infectious while visiting public locations in Sydney, prompting the NSW Health alert.
The primary exposure site identified is Sydney International Airport. Individuals who were on board Vietnam Airlines flight VN773, which departed Ho Chi Minh City at , and arrived in Sydney around , are advised to monitor for symptoms. Anyone who was in the International Arrivals and Baggage claim areas of the airport between and should also be alert for potential symptoms.
Symptoms of measles typically begin with a fever, sore eyes, a runny nose, and a cough. These initial symptoms are usually followed, three or four days later, by a distinctive red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. Authorities emphasize that while the airport locations pose no ongoing risk, individuals who visited these areas at the same time as the infected case should closely monitor their health.
According to Acting Director of Public Health for South Western Sydney Local Health District, Mitchell Smith, it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Individuals who were present at the identified locations are advised to watch for symptoms until .
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease spread through the air via coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. NSW Health is keen to emphasize that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in providing protection.
The current alerts underscore the ongoing global risk posed by measles, particularly in regions experiencing outbreaks. Southeast Asia has seen a resurgence of measles cases in recent years, linked to declining vaccination rates in some areas and disruptions to routine immunization programs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned of the potential for measles to re-establish itself in countries that had previously eliminated the disease.
The situation in NSW reflects a broader trend of imported measles cases in developed countries with high vaccination coverage. While domestic transmission is relatively rare in these settings, imported cases can trigger localized outbreaks, particularly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. This highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect both individuals and the community.
Health officials are urging anyone who suspects they may have measles to immediately contact their doctor or local public health unit. We see crucial to inform medical professionals of the possibility of measles before attending any appointments, allowing them to take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of the infection. Early diagnosis and isolation are key to controlling outbreaks.
The NSW Health alert serves as a reminder of the continued threat posed by infectious diseases in an increasingly interconnected world. The ease of international travel means that outbreaks in one region can quickly spread to others, emphasizing the need for robust public health surveillance, rapid response measures, and sustained efforts to improve vaccination coverage globally.
Further information and updates on measles alerts in NSW can be found on the NSW Health website, including a list of public exposure locations. The health authority continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further advice as needed.
