A confirmed measles case has been identified in a backpacker staying at Original Backpackers Hostel on Victoria Street in Potts Point, with NSW Health are warning of potential exposure across several inner Sydney locations, including:
The infection is believed to have been acquired in South-East Asia prior to the individual’s arrival in Australia.
Public Health Response
The South East Sydney Public Health Unit is responding by offering free MMR vaccinations to hostel guests who cannot provide evidence of two doses.
GPs and pharmacists are to refer vulnerable travellers without financial means to the PHU on 1300 066 055 to ensure equitable access.
Clinical and Diagnostic Considerations
Clinicians are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with compatible symptoms, particularly among backpackers or recent travellers.
Presentations may initially be non-specific (e.g. fever, cough, coryza), with rash developing subsequently, and early recognition remains critical to limiting transmission.
Risk Communication
Practices and pharmacies may consider displaying measles awareness materials or posters within waiting areas and dispensing spaces.
Please contact Central and Eastern Sydney PHN for assistance with vaccination resources for your organisation on 1300 986 991.
Immunisation Weekly Update: Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update. In this week’s update, read about: Vaccine reconstitution errors Whooping Cough Day Preparing patients for overseas travel: Vaccination advice and resources Education Vaccine reconstitution errors The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reminding health professionals to carefully follow product-specific vaccine preparation instructions,…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update! In this week’s update, read about: Power outage preparedness: Are you ready for summer? Capvaxive stock available Video explainers: Measles and Pneumococcal vaccines CESPHN Immunisation Without Borders: Measles resurgence, travel health and safeguarding Australia webinar Order NIP schedule – updated October…
Excellence in primary health care celebrated at CESPHN’s Primary Health Awards Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Primary Health Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and quality improvement in primary health care across the region. The annual awards recognise primary health…
Clinician Alert: Red Imported Fire Ants Detected in Sydney A red imported fire ant nest has been detected and treated at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney’s inner west. While surveillance has not identified any additional nests and the likelihood of fire ant-related presentations is currently considered low, NSW…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update! In this week’s update, read about: NSW seeing increase in reported cases of bat bites and scratches Personalised childhood vaccination schedule Vaccination during pregnancy: a guide for health professionals AIR Vaccine Type field updated New NIP schedule available: order now Education …
