- EXPLORE FURTHER: Why vaccinated individuals should still be concerned about measles
A critical health alert has been released following the infection of three individuals with measles who have traveled to multiple areas across New South Wales.
Three individuals, including an unvaccinated traveler returning from Vietnam, have been confirmed as positive following their visit to multiple sites in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Residents have been advised to stay vigilant for indications of measles such as fever, nasal discharge, irritated eyes, a persistent cough, and subsequently, a reddish, patchy skin eruption.
If not treated, this illness can be deadly, particularly for young children.
'Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,' Director of Public Health for Hunter New England Local Health District Dr David Durrheim said.
It may take as long as 21 days for signs of illness to show following an exposure, hence individuals who have been to these places should monitor themselves for symptoms over a period of three weeks from the mentioned dates.
Dr. Durrheim advised individuals observing symptoms to contact their general practitioner or emergency room beforehand, ensuring they do not encounter other patients.
We urge everyone in the community to ensure they are current with their vaccinations," he stated. "The measles vaccine can protect against the illness even post-exposure, provided it is administered promptly.
NSW Health authorities have recommended that residents who were present at the site simultaneously with an infected individual should watch out for any signs of illness.
The places of concern are as follows: The Charleston soccer field from 2 pm to 5 pm on March 1st; Belmont Hospital’s emergency department during the hours of 10:30 am to 8:30 pm on March 10th and again from 11 am to 6 pm on March 23rd; Go Vita at the Lake Haven shopping center ranging from 11 am to 2 pm on March 2nd and then from 10 am to 4 pm on March 16th.
People who visited the Go Vita Mount Hutton shopping center between 11 AM and 5 PM on March 17 were advised to keep an eye out for any signs of illness.
The MMR vaccine is provided at no cost to children when they reach 12 and 18 months old. It is also available without charge in New South Wales for individuals born after 1965 who haven't received two doses yet.
The most recent information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the measles outbreak in Vietnam "is still actively continuing."
"We continue to observe rising case numbers in central and northern regions of Vietnam, including newly emerged outbreaks in areas that had previously not reported any cases or clusters," according to their most recent update.
Government bodies warned Australians traveling to countries abroad To stay alert during the outbreak and make sure you get vaccinated against measles.
In NSW, officials Confirmed 10 instances of measles during the initial quarter of 2025.
Experts have voiced worries that Australia might turn into a breeding ground for measles to establish itself.
The World Health Organization announced that measles had been eliminated from Australia in 2014.
Smaller outbreaks have taken place since then due to the frequent international travels of Australians.
Experts are worried since Australia falls short of the WHO's recommendations. recommended The aim is to reach a 95 percent vaccination rate.
Until the target is met, Australia does not have 'herd immunity'.
At present, approximately 92.21 percent of children who are two years old in the nation have been vaccinated against measles.
The vaccine specialist from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Professor Margie Danchin, informed The Guardian There is 'a fertile ground where we face significant issues with under-vaccination due to our substantial resources.'
The measles virus is the most contagious virus we know—it acts like a heat-seeking missile," she stated. "In a population with insufficient vaccinations, it spreads rapidly.
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