The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging residents to check up on their measles vaccination status amid heightened cases across NSW. Photo: Milan Markovic.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging residents to check their measles vaccination status due to the heightened number of cases of the viral illness recorded across the state.
Since the start of 2026, more than 21 cases have been recorded in NSW alone, leading NSW Health and the MLHD to remind residents to make sure they are protected against the virus.
MLHD Director of Public Health Alison Nikitas said people should remain alert for symptoms, particularly if they had attended any listed exposure locations or recently travelled overseas, where there were known, ongoing measles outbreaks in many countries.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations listed on the website, please contact your doctor or health service,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Call ahead to advise that you may have been exposed to measles, so you can avoid spending time in waiting rooms with other patients.”
Ms Nikitas said early symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that typically spreads from the head down the body.
“Anyone who develops early symptoms and then a rash a few days later should consider measles a possibility — even if they haven’t visited a listed site — and arrange testing,” she said.
“Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, so it’s important for people to monitor their health for this period.”
Ms Nikitas reminded the community to check their vaccination status, especially if planning to travel overseas, noting that timely vaccination could prevent disease.
“Measles vaccine can prevent illness even after exposure if given early enough,” she said.
“Anyone born after 1965 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine. This is especially important for people travelling overseas, given measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions internationally.”
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective and free in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months, and for anyone born after 1965 who has not had two doses.
Children aged six to 12 months travelling overseas may receive an early dose — parents should discuss this with their GP.
People who are unsure whether they have received two doses are encouraged to get vaccinated, as additional doses are safe. The MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people aged over five years).
For more information, refer to the NSW Health measles factsheet or visit the Smart Traveller website for travel-related health advice.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms or has concerns about measles, contact your GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
