Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Sydney after a confirmed case was linked to multiple busy locations across the city, including an international flight and a hospital emergency department.

The infected traveller had recently returned from Japan, where measles cases are rising, and visited several public places while still contagious. The locations include China Airlines flight CI51 from Taipei to Sydney on April 26, Sydney International Airport’s arrivals and baggage area, the Crowne Plaza in Burwood, and the emergency department at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.

NSW Health said these venues do not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone present at the listed times is urged to monitor for symptoms.

People who may have been exposed, particularly pregnant women, infants, or individuals with weakened immune systems, are advised to contact their local Public Health Unit if exposure occurred within the past six days.

Health officials confirmed there have been 45 measles cases in New South Wales since the beginning of the year, prompting increased vigilance.

Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Deputy Director Dr Isabel Hess said early detection is crucial and urged people to watch for symptoms such as fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and cough, followed by a distinctive red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.

She also reminded the public that measles spreads easily through airborne droplets and stressed the importance of vaccination, particularly for anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is provided free in NSW for eligible groups and is available through GPs and pharmacies. Authorities are urging anyone unsure of their vaccination status to get immunised and to seek medical advice if symptoms develop.