A measles alert has been issued after a returned traveller who was infectious visited several locations in Sydney.
Health authorities said the individual recently returned from South-East Asia, where ongoing measles outbreaks have been reported in countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Passengers who travelled on flight GA712 from Jakarta to Sydney, which arrived at 10.45 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, have been advised to monitor for measles symptoms. Following the flight, the traveller was present in the Sydney Airport International Arrivals Hall from 10.45 a.m. to noon on the same day.
The individual also visited the emergency department waiting room at Blacktown Hospital from noon on December 29 until 6.00 a.m. on December 30.
Western Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Conrad Moreira, urged anyone who was at these locations at the same times to remain vigilant for symptoms.
He advised those who develop symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and to call ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital to avoid exposing others in waiting areas.
Dr. Moreira said symptoms to watch for include fever, sore eyes, a runny nose and cough, followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that usually spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
He noted that measles symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, and people who visited the listed locations should monitor their health until January 17, 2026.
Dr. Moreira also emphasized that measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease, spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. He reminded the public to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
He added that the measles vaccine can prevent illness even after exposure if administered early, and stressed that anyone born after 1965 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, particularly before travelling overseas, as outbreaks are currently occurring in several parts of the world.
