NSW Health is alerting passengers of QF20, which landed at Sydney International Airport at 6.30am on Friday January 11 from Manila, that a passenger on the flight was infectious with measles.

The passenger, a male in his 20s, developed measles while in the Philippines, and was diagnosed with the infection after returning home.

The man visited Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre on January 12, where the infection was suspected, and isolation measures put in place. Other patients there at the same time are being contacted and offered preventive treatment, if needed.

People who were on QF20, or at Sydney International Airport early in the morning of January 11, should be alert for measles symptoms until January 29 as the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is 10 - 18 days.

“If you develop symptoms please call ahead to your GP so that you do not wait in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr Sheppeard said.

NSW Health has been in contact with Qantas, advising the airline of the man’s condition.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective protection against measles, and is available for free for those aged 1 to 52 from your GP. If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is quite safe to have another dose.”

NSW Health once again urges people travelling to south-east Asia where measles is prevalent to ensure they a fully vaccinated before heading overseas.

Outbreaks of measles in popular tourist destinations means the risk for measles being imported into Australia at the moment is high.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

For more information on measles, visit Measles.