This alert is no longer current

NSW Health has issued an alert to passengers after an ACT resident who transited through Sydney International Airport was diagnosed with measles.

The person became unwell just prior to their departure from Pakistan, and was infectious on Flight QR 906 from Qatar to Sydney on Saturday 2 February, and while in the airport (including the transfer lounge) on Sunday 3 February. 

Passengers on the flight and people in the airport at the same time as the person should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until February 21, as the time from exposure to onset of symptoms can be up to 18 days (usually around 10 days).

ACT Health has issued a media release regarding exposure sites for the case in the ACT. Full details of the NSW exposure are provided below.

Alerts for other recent measles cases in NSW, which remain current, can be found on the January measles alert page.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes and runny now, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which is not itchy, and begins on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body.

People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. NSW Health recommends calling ahead to the practice or emergency department to alert them of your symptoms so that measures can be taken to limit your exposure to others when you arrive.

Qatar Airlines Flight 906 and Sydney International Airport, Saturday 2 February - Sunday 3 February 2019

Date​ ​Location
Saturday 2 February - Sunday 3 February​

​Qatar Airlines Flight QR906
Departing Doha International Airport Qatar Saturday 2 February at 8:45am
Arriving Sydney International Airport on Sunday 3 February at  6:25am

Sunday 3 February ​

​Sydney International Airport, including the Transit Lounge between 7am and 9am

Qatar Airlines Flight QR906
Departing Sydney Airport at approximately 9am
Arriving Canberra Airport at approximately 10am

About measles 

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.
People are at risk of measles if they are exposed to an infectious case, and have never had measles, or have not received two doses of measles containing vaccine. Two doses of measles containing vaccine provide lifelong protection against infection in 99 per cent of people. Most people born before 1966 are assumed to be immune to measles.
In Australia measles containing vaccine is given to children at 12 months of age as measles mumps rubella (MMR) and 18 months of age as measles mumps rubella varicella (MMRV).
Anyone in NSW, born after 1966, who has not received two doses of measles containing vaccine can visit their GP for free MMR vaccine. People born between 1966 and 1994 should not assume they have received two doses of vaccine as changes to the vaccination schedule over time mean they may have only received one dose. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses can safely receive another dose.
Travellers, are encouraged to discuss their travel plans with their GP to ensure that they are protected against preventable diseases such as measles prior to travel. While measles is rare in Australia, it remains endemic in many countries including most of southern and south east Asia, and large outbreaks are currently occurring in Europe, the United States, and parts of South America.
People travelling with children under the age of 12 months should discuss travel plans with their doctor, as the first dose of the vaccine can be given as early as 9 months of age, if the child is travelling to an area where measles is endemic, or outbreaks are occurring.
For more information see the measles webpage.
Current as at: Monday 4 March 2019
Contact page owner: Communicable Diseases