Anyone who visited a string of popular spots across Byron Shire, Ballina and Pottsville over the past fortnight is being urged to watch for measles symptoms, after a confirmed case unknowingly infectious moved through the community.
Northern NSW Local Health District said the case had visited multiple locations across Byron Shire, including Byron Central Hospital, while unknowingly infectious.
The case recently returned from Southeast Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Tuesday, 15 September: Shearwater Steiner School, 349 Left Bank Rd, Mullumbimby, 9.30am to 1pm.
Wednesday, 16 September: Bush Blossom Explores, Byron Hinterland, 9am to 3pm.
Thursday, 17 September: The Patch Café, 49 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, 9.30am to 10.35am, and Mullumbimby Library, 70-90 Station St, Mullumbimby, 10.45am to 12.15am.
Friday, 18 September: Pottsville Tennis Club, Berkleys Lane, Pottsville, 9am to 11.30am, and the Mobile Library at Philip Street Reserve, Pottsville, 11am to 12.30pm.
Saturday, 19 September: Equikids Horse Riding, Tamarind Dr, Ballina, 9am to 10.30am.
Monday, 21 September: Byron Central Hospital Emergency Department, Ewingsdale, 3.30pm to 8.05pm.
A full list of locations is also available on the NSW Health website, with exposure locations and times updated regularly. Anyone who was at these locations less than six days ago and is pregnant, has a weakened immune system or has an infant who was exposed is advised to contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
There have been 55 cases confirmed across NSW since 1 January 2026.
Regional Director for North Coast Population and Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department,” Dr Delpech 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 and face to the rest of the body.”
“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations and seek testing.”
“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 for this period.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Delpech said.
“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.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age, and free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses. Children under 12 months can have an extra, early dose from six months of age if they are travelling overseas, in consultation with their GP.
MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for people over five.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms, or with questions about measles, is urged to call their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au