Measles Alert in the ACT: What You Need to Know

Canberra residents are urged to be vigilant following a confirmed case of measles in a traveller recently returned from overseas. Health authorities are actively monitoring contacts and advising anyone who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms. This alert underscores the importance of vaccination and awareness of potential exposure risks.

Recent Case and Exposure Locations

The ACT Government Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) confirmed the measles case on February 20, 2026. The individual visited several public locations while unknowingly infectious, potentially exposing others. These locations include:

• Hertz Car Rental Agency, Canberra Airport: February 16, 2026, between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. [Source: Region.com.au]
• Canberra Airport Arrivals (Ground Level): February 16, 2026, between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. [Source: Region.com.au]
• Gungahlin Walk-In Centre: February 18, 2026, between 3:15 PM and 5:40 PM. [Source: Region.com.au]
• Canberra Hospital Emergency Department Waiting Room: February 18, 2026, between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. [Source: Region.com.au]

Authorities emphasize that these locations do not pose an ongoing risk. [Source: ACT Government Health]

Symptoms of Measles

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms typically develop up to 18 days after exposure. [Source: Region.com.au] Key symptoms include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Runny nose
• Sore and red eyes
• Cough
• A non-itchy, blotchy red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body

What to Do If You Suspect Exposure

If you visited any of the listed exposure locations during the specified times and have not been contacted by ACT Health, monitor yourself for symptoms until the following dates:

• Canberra Airport (Hertz & Arrivals): Monitor for symptoms until March 6, 2026. [Source: Canberra Times]
• Gungahlin Walk-In Centre & Canberra Hospital Emergency Department: Monitor for symptoms until March 8, 2026. [Source: Canberra Times]

If symptoms develop, it is crucial to contact your doctor or health service, including an emergency department, before your visit. Inform them of your potential exposure to measles and wear a face mask. [Source: Canberra Daily]

Vaccination and Prevention

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. If you are unsure whether you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP or a pharmacist (for those over five years of age). [Source: Region.com.au] The vaccine is free in the ACT, although an administration fee may apply.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or those on high-dose steroid medications, should contact the HCSD on (02) 5124 9213. Pregnant individuals and those with infants under 12 months of age are also advised to contact HCSD. [Source: Region.com.au]

Recent Cases in NSW

NSW Health has also recently reported measles exposure sites in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Southern Highlands regions. [Source: Region.com.au] These include:

• Blue Jay Cafe in Albion Park (February 11, 2026)
• Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Calderwood (February 11, 2026)
• Robertson Supermarket and Bottleshop (February 10, 2026)
• Southern Rise Bakery in Robertson (February 10, 2026)
• Fitzroy Falls Souvenir Shop (February 10, 2026)
• Fitzroy Falls (February 10, 2026)

It is currently unknown if these cases are linked to the ACT case.