Measles Cases Rise in Wollongong: What You Demand to Know
Three new cases of measles have been confirmed in Wollongong, prompting a health alert from NSW Health. These cases follow a previous alert issued earlier this month after a returning traveller from Southeast Asia was diagnosed with the highly contagious disease. The recent infections were acquired locally, meaning the virus is circulating within the community.
Exposure Locations and Dates
Individuals who visited the following locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms:
- Refine Pilates North Wollongong: Shop 11&12 2/14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong – March 23, 10:15am to 11:30am
- North Beach Pavilion bathrooms: 5 Cliff Road, North Wollongong – March 23, 11:15am to 11:45am
- Leisure Coast Fairy Meadow: 75 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow – March 23, 12:00pm to 1:30pm
- Woolworths Fairy Meadow: 66 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow – March 23, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
- BWS Fairy Meadow: 66 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow – March 23, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
- IGA North Wollongong: 2B/6 Flinders St, North Wollongong – March 23, 5:30pm to 6:20pm
- Yachties Cafe: 85 Endeavour Drive, Wollongong – March 22, 11:00am to 11:30am & 1:30pm to 2:00pm
- Refine Pilates North Wollongong: Shop 11&12 2/14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong – March 22, 9:30am to 11:00am
NSW Health emphasizes that these locations do not pose an ongoing risk, but the list of exposure sites is regularly updated and can be found on the NSW Health website.
Who is Most at Risk?
Individuals who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or have infants and were present at the listed exposure locations within the last six days are urged to contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Rising Measles Cases in NSW
The current outbreak is part of a broader trend of increasing measles cases in NSW. There have been 37 confirmed cases since January 1, 2026, compared to 37 cases during the entirety of 2025 and 17 cases the year prior.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Dr. Kerryn Coleman, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, advises anyone experiencing symptoms after visiting an exposure location to seek medical attention, but to call ahead to inform the healthcare provider of the possibility of measles. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- Sore eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough
- A red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body (typically appearing three or four days after initial symptoms)
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, so vigilance is crucial.
Prevention and Vaccination
Measles is a viral infection spread through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection. NSW Health encourages residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Specifically:
- Anyone born after 1965 should have received two doses of the measles vaccine.
- The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is freely available for children at 12 and 18 months.
- It is also free for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t had two doses.
- Children aged six to 12 months travelling overseas can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine.
Additional doses are safe for those unsure of their vaccination status.
Where to Get Vaccinated
The measles vaccine is available from GPs and pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I think I have measles?
A: Contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately, but call ahead to let them know you suspect measles.
Q: Is measles a serious illness?
A: Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Q: How is measles spread?
A: Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
