Tejal Somvanshi
Two measles cases – one in Sydney and another in Lismore – have put NSW health officials on high alert. A traveler who recently visited busy shopping areas in Sydney after returning from South-East Asia has tested positive for measles, while Lismore faces its second case.
Parents with young children who visited places like Westfield Eastgardens during mid-February should watch their kids closely. The early signs of measles can be mistaken for other illnesses – runny nose, fever, tired eyes – but a few days later, the telltale red rash appears, starting from the head and moving down the body.
“Symptoms may appear between 7 and 18 days after an exposure,” explains Dr. Christine Selvey from NSW Health. This means if you were at any of the exposure sites, you might not feel sick right away but should stay alert for up to two and a half weeks. Watch carefully for early signs if you visit these locations.
For shoppers who visited Westfield Eastgardens between February 14-20, particularly the food court, Kmart, Myer, or Target, keep an eye on your health through early March. The infected person also spent time at popular spots like Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), and several local restaurants.
“Please call ahead to your GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr. Selvey advises. This simple step helps stop the virus from spreading to others, especially babies too young for vaccines or people with weak immune systems.
Speaking of vaccines, the measles shot (MMR) is free in NSW for anyone born after 1966 who hasn’t had their two doses. For families with young kids, it’s part of the regular vaccination schedule at 12 and 18 months. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, NSW Health confirms that getting an additional dose is safe.
The timing of these cases links to bigger outbreaks happening in South-East Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The World Health Organisation’s numbers show why vaccines matter – they’ve stopped over 60 million people from dying of measles between 2000 and 2023.
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While the listed locations don’t pose an ongoing risk, they show how easily measles can spread in busy places. Since measles is highly contagious, anyone who was at these locations during the exposure times should monitor their health carefully. That’s why checking your vaccination status isn’t just about protecting yourself – it’s about keeping everyone safe, especially those who can’t get vaccinated.
Health officials are keeping a close watch for new cases. With measles taking up to 18 days to show symptoms, more cases might appear in the coming weeks. But recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice promptly can help contain its spread.
Parents can get the vaccine through their regular doctor, while anyone over five can now get it at local pharmacies. For those planning to travel to South-East Asia, checking vaccination status is an important health precaution given the ongoing outbreaks in several countries.
These are the key exposure sites and times to be aware of:
Friday, February 14:
– Westfield Eastgardens (including Kmart and Myer): 1:30pm to 2:30pm
– Ms Dumplings: 2pm to 3pm
– Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, Botany: 7pm to 9pm
Saturday, February 15:
– The Brothers Cafe, Darling Square: 1pm to 2:30pm
– Eternity Cafe, Town Hall: 2:15pm to 3:45pm
– Queen Victoria Building: 3:15pm to 4pm
– Myer Sydney City: 3:30pm to 4:30pm
– OPSM, George Street: 4pm to 4:40pm
– Bunnings, Alexandria: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Sunday, February 16:
– Westfield Eastgardens (including food court, Coles, Big W, Kmart, Target, Priceline): 12pm to 2:30pm
The infected person also visited various locations through February 17-20, including medical facilities in Rosebery, restaurants in Alexandria, and additional visits to Westfield Eastgardens.
If you develop any symptoms after visiting the exposure sites, contact your healthcare provider. When symptoms are identified early and proper precautions are taken, it helps protect our community from further spread.
The focus stays sharp on tracking possible new cases in the next two weeks, especially in areas where the infected people spent time. NSW Health continues monitoring the situation, ready to respond if more cases appear.
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is very infectious,” Dr. Selvey emphasizes. The key is staying alert, acting promptly if symptoms appear, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date.
