Northern NSW Local Health District is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Lismore, Casino and Kyogle.

The new case is linked to a previously notified case in the area.

While the locations no longer pose a risk, people who attended the following locations, during the specific times listed, should watch for the development of symptoms:

• Monday 17 February 2025 – Ritchies IGA Kyogle, 17-31 Summerland Way, Kyogle, from 1 to 2pm, Kyogle Ampol Fuel, 26 Summerland Way, Kyogle, from 5:10 to 5:50pm. If you attended either of these venues, monitor for symptoms until 7 March 2025.   

• Tuesday 18 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 7am to 4pm. If you attended this venue, monitor for symptoms until 8 March 2025.      

• Wednesday 19 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 7am to 4pm, EG Group service station, cnr Brewster and Uralba Streets, Lismore, from 3:40pm to 4:20pm, Casino Woolworths, 169 Canterbury St, Casino, from 4 to 5pm. If you attended any of these venues, monitor for symptoms until 9 March 2025.    

• Thursday 20 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 6am to 3pm. If you attended this venue, monitor for symptoms until 10 March 2025.   

• Friday 21 February 2025 – Ritchies IGA Kyogle, 17-31 Summerland Way, Kyogle, from 1 to 2pm. If you attended this venue, monitor for symptoms until 11 March 2025.     

• Saturday 22 February 2025 – Beansprout Café located within Mitre 10, 142 Summerland Way, Kyogle, from 10:30 am to 12:30pm. If you attended this venue, monitor for symptoms until 12 March 2025.

Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Delpech said.

“It's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please 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.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.

“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 earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. 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​.