NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting locations at Sydney Airport and western NSW.

The case recently returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

People who were on board the below flight or attended the following locations at the times stated should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

​Wednesday 19 March 2025

• Jetstar Flight JQ62 departed Ho Chi Minh City at 10:30pm on Tuesday 18 March 2025, arriving in Sydney at 10:50am on Wednesday 19 March 2025
• Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim from 11:00am to 12:00pm
  

• Ochre Medical Centre Parkes, 335 Clarinda St, Parkes from 10:15am to 11:15am
  

• Parkes Health Service Emergency Department, 2 Morrissey Way, Parkes 12:00pm midday to 7:00pm

Dr Victor Carey, Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Physician said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.​

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Carey said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.”

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 11 April 2025.

“It's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. ​