Health officials in Sydney’s Inner West have issued a measles alert after two cases linked to an imported traveller were confirmed. Authorities urge vigilance, symptom monitoring, and updated vaccinations as the highly contagious disease poses a local risk.
Sydney Inner West Measles Alert: Precautions Urged:
NSW Health has confirmed two new measles cases in Sydney’s Inner West, prompting public health warnings and a call for vigilance among residents and visitors. The cases are linked to an earlier infection involving a returned traveller from South‑East Asia, where measles outbreaks are ongoing.
While the two affected individuals are not known to each other, one visited multiple public locations, including healthcare facilities, while unknowingly infectious-increasing the risk of exposure for others. Authorities have published a list of exposure sites and times on the NSW Health website.
Health officials emphasise that measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, cough and a rash that starts a few days after initial signs.
People who were at exposure locations during the specified times should monitor themselves for up to 18 days for symptoms and seek medical advice if they develop. Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and infants who may have been exposed are advised to contact the Public Health Unit for guidance.
NSW Health is urging everyone to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, particularly with the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is especially important for people born after 1965, as immunity from routine childhood vaccination may not be complete without two documented doses.
Measles in Australia: Prevention and Vaccination:
Australia had previously eliminated measles thanks to high vaccination coverage, but the disease can re‑enter the community through international travel. Recent years have seen a rise in imported and locally acquired cases across several states, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, linked to travellers returning from regions where measles remains active.
Health authorities nationwide have repeatedly reminded the public of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and monitoring symptoms after potential exposure. In many instances, alerts have been issued after infectious individuals visited airports, hospitals, concerts, and other public venues.
Measles is preventable through vaccination, and the MMR vaccine is provided free of charge through public health programs in NSW for eligible age groups. Ensuring up‑to‑date immunisation is crucial to preventing wider outbreaks.