Measles alert for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a new confirmed case.

This person had recently returned from south Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.

The person visited several locations across the Illawarra while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.

People who attended the following locations on these dates and times should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

• Wollongong Hospital ED Wednesday 11 March 2026 11.20pm to Thursday 12 March 2026 6.30pm.

• Wollongong Hospital Medical Assessment Unit Thursday 12 March 2026 4.22pm to Friday 13 March 2026 6.30pm.

• Wollongong Hospital Medical Imaging Unit Thursday 12 March 2026 2.30am to 6.30am.

• EG Ampol Albion Park 60 Terry Street, Albion Park Saturday 7 March 2026 4.45am to 11.45am and Sunday 8 March 2026 11.30am to 5.00pm.

For a full list of public exposure locations visit the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

If it has been less than 6 days since exposure at this location and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

ISLHD Co-Director of Public and Population Health Curtis Gregory, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don't spend time in waiting rooms with other patients," Mr Gregory said.

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

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven't attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited this location to look out for symptoms up until 18 days from their date of visit to those areas at Wollongong Hospital.’’

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough," Mr Gregory said.

“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."

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 early if they are travelling overseas. 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.

People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.

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.