NSW Health has issued a measles alert for the Sutherland Shire after confirming a case in a returned traveller from Southeast Asia, where measles outbreaks are ongoing. The person visited several locations across our local area — including healthcare facilities — while unknowingly infectious. With 47 measles cases confirmed across NSW since 1 January 2026, this is an important moment for our community to understand the risks, recognise the symptoms, and check that vaccinations are up to date.
If you visited any of the listed exposure locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have an infant who was exposed — and it has been less than 6 days since the exposure — contact your local Public Health Unit urgently on 1300 066 055.
What happened
A confirmed measles case visited multiple locations across the Sutherland Shire while infectious. NSW Health has published a full list of exposure locations and times, which is being updated regularly. You can view the current list on the NSW Health measles exposure locations page (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx). These locations do not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who was present at the listed times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after their visit.
Symptoms to watch for
Measles typically begins with symptoms that can feel like a cold or flu, making it easy to overlook in the early stages. Watch for:
- Fever
- Sore, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- A persistent cough
- A red, blotchy rash — this usually appears 3 to 4 days after the initial symptoms, starting on the head and face before spreading down the body
It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. This long incubation period means that even if you feel fine right now, it's important to stay vigilant over the coming weeks — particularly if you visited any of the identified exposure locations.
Anyone who develops early cold-like symptoms followed by a rash a few days later should consider measles as a possibility — even if they haven't been to one of the listed locations — and seek testing promptly.
What to do if you develop symptoms
If you develop symptoms consistent with measles, it's essential that you call ahead before visiting your GP, a medical practice, or an emergency department. Let them know you may have been exposed to measles so that appropriate precautions can be taken to protect other patients in waiting areas. Measles is highly contagious — it spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after the person has left.
If you are a patient of Cronulla Medical Practice and are concerned about possible measles symptoms, please phone us on (02) 9544 4004 before attending the practice. We will guide you on the safest way to be assessed.
Are you up to date? The critical question for anyone born after 1965
Were you born after 1965? You need two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR) to be considered fully protected. If you're unsure whether you've had both doses, the safest course of action is to get vaccinated — additional doses are safe. The MMR vaccine is free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already received two doses. This is especially important if you're planning overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world right now, including throughout Southeast Asia.
People born before 1966 are generally considered immune to measles, as they are likely to have been exposed to the virus during widespread circulation before vaccination programmes began. However, if you were born during or after 1966, you may have gaps in your protection — particularly if you only received one dose as a child, or if your vaccination records are incomplete.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and remarkably, can even prevent measles after exposure if given early enough. This makes checking your status right now — during an active alert — particularly worthwhile.
Vaccination for children and families
Under Australia's National Immunisation Program, the MMR vaccine is given free to children at 12 months and 18 months of age. If you have a baby under 12 months and you're planning overseas travel, an early dose of MMR can be given from six months of age — speak to your GP about whether this is appropriate for your child.
Now is a good time to check that your children's vaccinations are up to date. You can review your family's immunisation history through Medicare online via myGov, or ask us to look it up during your next visit.
Where to get the MMR vaccine
- Your GP — available for all ages. Book an appointment with Cronulla Medical Practice and we can check your records and vaccinate you on the spot if needed.
- Pharmacies — available for people aged 5 years and over.
NSW Health resources
NSW Health is actively monitoring the situation and updating information regularly. We encourage you to bookmark these official resources:
- NSW Health measles fact sheet — detailed information about measles, how it spreads, symptoms, and prevention: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx
- NSW Health measles exposure locations — the full, regularly updated list of public exposure sites across NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx
- Healthdirect helpline — for health advice and measles questions, call 1800 022 222
- Public Health Unit — for urgent advice if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have an exposed infant, call 1300 066 055
- Smart Traveller — the Australian Government's travel advisory site for health risks including measles outbreaks at your destination: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au
Protecting our community
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, but it is also one of the most preventable. Vaccination remains our strongest defence — not only for ourselves, but for the vulnerable members of our community who cannot be vaccinated, including very young babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you're unsure about your vaccination status, don't wait. Book an appointment with your GP at Cronulla Medical Practice or check your immunisation history via myGov. In the current environment, with measles cases rising across NSW and active alerts in our own neighbourhood, taking a few minutes to confirm your protection is one of the most meaningful things you can do.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns. We're here to help keep our Shire community safe.