A recent traveler from South-East Asia, where measles outbreaks are currently affecting several nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, has raised health concerns in Sydney.

Passengers who were on flight GA712 from Jakarta to Sydney, which touched down at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, are being urged to remain vigilant for any signs of measles. This advisory follows the return of an individual who was potentially exposed to the virus during their travels.

Following the flight, the traveler spent time in the Sydney Airport International Arrivals Hall from 10:45 a.m. until noon on the same day. This has heightened concerns about possible exposure to others in the vicinity during that period.

The situation became more pressing when the individual visited the emergency department waiting room at Blacktown Hospital, remaining there from noon on December 29 until 6 a.m. the following day. This extended presence at the hospital has prompted health officials to issue a warning to others who might have been present during those hours.

Dr. Conrad Moreira, the acting director of public health at the Western Sydney Local Health District, emphasized the importance of monitoring for symptoms among those who were at these locations simultaneously with the traveler. The health department is actively working to ensure the community is informed and prepared.

“If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service, including emergency department,” Moreira said.

“Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.

“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 andface 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 until January 17, 2026.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“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.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.

“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.”