Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after a confirmed case visited several public places in Dee Why and Manly while infectious.
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The person, who was a close contact of another recent measles case in northern Sydney, attended shops, cafés, and restaurants across the area in late September.
Although there is no ongoing risk at the listed venues, NSW Health has asked people who were present at those times to monitor for symptoms until the dates specified for each location.
Exposure sites include:
- Dee Why Discount Vitamins, 2/681 Pittwater Road — Thursday, 25 September, 11:00am–11:30am
- Twist Espresso & Wine, 23 Howard Avenue, Dee Why — Thursday, 25 September, 11:20am–12:30pm
- Chemist Warehouse Dee Why, 23 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:00pm–12:40pm
- Woolworths Dee Why, 37 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:15pm–1:30pm
- Mex & Co Manly, 30–32 South Steyne, Manly — Saturday, 27 September, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Anyone who attended these venues should monitor for symptoms until 13 October (for Dee Why locations) or 15 October (for the Manly location).
Dr Michael Staff, Director of Public Health for Northern Sydney Local Health District, explained that measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
He said: “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.”
It may take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Dr Staff urged anyone who develops signs of measles to phone ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital to reduce the risk of passing the illness on to others in waiting rooms.
He also stressed the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can be prevented even after exposure if the vaccine is given early enough.
“We want to again remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” he said.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months, and also available at no cost for people in NSW born after 1966 who have not received two doses.
Parents planning overseas travel with infants under 12 months are encouraged to seek advice from their GP about an early vaccination, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas.
The alert highlights how everyday places like supermarkets, cafés, and chemists can become sites of exposure to infectious diseases.
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While the immediate risk has passed, health authorities are encouraging the community to check vaccination records, stay alert to symptoms, and seek timely medical advice if needed.
More information, including the full list of exposure sites and vaccination advice, is available on the NSW Health website.
Published 6-October-2025
