Measles Alert Issued for Greater Western Sydney and Blue Mountains
Health authorities have issued a measles warning across western Sydney and the Blue Mountains after a confirmed case visited multiple public locations while infectious. Residents are urged to monitor for symptoms, with exposure sites identified across the region.
Recent Exposure Locations
The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) confirmed the case attended several exposure sites after contact with another confirmed case earlier this month. While officials state the listed venues do not pose an ongoing risk, anyone present at the following locations during the specified times should be vigilant for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure:
- Woolworths, Jordan Springs: March 17, 2026, 8:15 am – 9:20 am
- Baby Bunting Penrith, Jamisontown: March 18, 2026, 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
- Kmart Penrith – Nepean Village: March 18, 2026, 2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
- Brell House, St Marys: March 18, 2026, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Young Academics Early Learning Centre, Cranebrook: March 18, 2026, 8:55 am – 9:30 am, 4:10 pm – 4:45 pm and March 20, 2026, 8:50 am – 9:25 am and 5:00 pm – 5:35 pm
- Scent Method Warehouse, Prestons: March 19, 2026, 11:30 am – 12:10 pm
- Terry White Chemist, Jordan Springs: March 19, 2026, 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm
- Parx Coffee House, Cranebrook: March 20, 2026, 8:55 am – 9:30 am
- Subway, Jordan Springs: March 20, 2026, 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
- XS Espresso, Jordan Springs: March 21, 2026, 11:50 am – 12:35 pm
A comprehensive list of exposure locations and times is available on the NSW Health website, with updates provided regularly.
Symptoms and What to Do
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the body. Symptoms can appear up to 18 days after exposure.
Dr. Alvis Zibran, Public Health Specialist at NBMLHD, advises anyone who visited the listed locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, individuals should see a doctor or health service, and call ahead to inform them of potential measles contact to avoid waiting room exposure. Wearing a mask is similarly recommended.
Who is at Higher Risk?
Individuals at higher risk, including pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and infants exposed to the virus, are advised to contact the local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 if it has been less than six days since exposure.
Prevention Through Vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious, yet vaccine-preventable disease spread through the air via coughing or sneezing. Vaccination remains the most effective protection. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age and is also available at no cost in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses. Children under 12 months can receive an early dose if travelling overseas, after consulting a GP.
Eloise Milthorpe, Centre for Population Health Director at NBMLHD, emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations, noting that the vaccine can even prevent infection if administered shortly after exposure.