Measles alert for Nepean Hospital emergency department

This person has had no known contact with anyone else with measles and did not attend any known exposure locations. With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community.

People who attended the Nepean Hospital ED on the following dates and times should watch for symptoms of measles. This location does not pose an ongoing risk.

• 4 March 2026: 4.20pm - 12am
• 5 March 2026 10.10pm – 6 March 2026 9.15am
• 7 March 2026: 10.00am – 1.10pm

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.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Public Health Specialist, Dr Alvis Zibran, said anyone who visited the above location at those times should monitor for symptoms.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Zibran 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.

“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 Nepean ED.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

“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."

The 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.

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.