The Northern NSW Local Health District is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case that was infectious while visiting several locations in Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Tintenbar, and Broken Head.

The case had recently been travelling in South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.

People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

Monday 31 March 2025:

• Combi Café, 5b/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay, 10:50am to 11:50am

Tuesday 1 April 2025:

• Killen Falls, 38 Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar, 11:30am to 12pm
• Kiosk Lennox Beach, Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, 12:08pm to 12:30pm
• Lake Ainsworth, Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, 12:30pm to 3pm
• Broken Head Beach, Broken Head Reserve Rd, Broken Head, 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Regional Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the above locations 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 Delpech said.

“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.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 19 April 2025.

“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.