Tejal Somvanshi
NSW Health has issued an urgent alert after confirming a measles case in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, marking the 18th case in the state this year. Health officials warn the number of cases in 2025 is set to exceed the total of 18 recorded throughout 2024.
The infected person visited several locations while contagious, including The Bagel Co in Rose Bay, basketball events at Waverley College and Rose Bay Secondary College, and TerryWhite Chemmart Gaslight in Rose Bay between March 30 and April 1.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” said Dr. Anthea Katelaris, Public Health Physician at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
The source of this infection remains unclear, though the person recently traveled interstate where several measles exposures occurred. Of the 17 previous cases this year, 11 were linked to international travel, with eight specifically returning from Vietnam. The remaining six cases were acquired in NSW from household and community transmission.
Watch for symptoms until April 19
People who visited the exposure sites should monitor for symptoms until April 19, as it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and cough. A distinctive red, blotchy rash typically follows three to four days later, spreading from the head to the rest of the body.
Dr. Katelaris urged anyone developing symptoms to call ahead before visiting a doctor: “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.”
Vaccination remains crucial defense
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for travelers.
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“Some people may have just had one vaccine, and whilst that is protective, we know for that high rate of 99 percent protection, we need those two doses,” Dr. Chant said.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. In NSW, it’s also free for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t received two doses. The vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and pharmacies for those over five years old.
Health officials particularly stress vaccination checks before international travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions worldwide.
Serious health risks
Measles isn’t just a mild childhood illness. Up to a third of people with measles develop complications, which can be severe for vulnerable groups like infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
People who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or unvaccinated who may have been exposed should contact their GP urgently or call their local public health unit on 1300 066 055, as they may benefit from preventative treatment.
For more information on measles or if experiencing symptoms, call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Exposure sites:
- March 30: The Bagel Co, 475 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay, from 7:30am to 8:15am
- March 30: Easts Basketball League at Waverley College, from 9:10am to 10:30am
- March 30: Easts Basketball League at Rose Bay Secondary College, from 2pm to 3:40pm
- April 1: TerryWhite Chemmart Gaslight Rose Bay, 484 Old South Head Road, from 5pm to 5:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sydney Metro Southwest is expected to open next year. Once operational, the full 66-kilometer metro network will connect Sydney’s northwest with the southwest, passing under the harbor and through the Sydney CBD.
The Metro Southwest will significantly cut travel times. For example, the journey from Campsie to Central Station will take just 18 minutes, to Chatswood 33 minutes, and to Macquarie University 44 minutes. The 6.5-kilometer stretch that currently takes 5 hours during testing will take only 11 minutes when operational.
The Sydney Metro Southwest will provide a “turn-up-and-go” service with trains running every four minutes during peak periods at stations including Bankstown, Belmore, Campsie, and Canterbury.
Yes, passengers on the M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line should expect disruptions during the testing phase. There will be several full or partial line closures, and on some evenings, the service will stop running at 10pm.
The testing includes over 6,500 hours between Sydenham and Bankstown. Initial tests at speeds under 25km/h check train clearance on curves, safe distances between trains and platforms, signaling functions, platform screen door interfaces, and mechanical gap filler performance. Later testing will include higher speeds and automated train operations.
According to Transport Minister John Graham, the Southwest section of the M1 Metro Line is expected to add an additional 17,000 people to the rail network every hour during peak periods.
