The Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) can confirm a case of measles has been identified in the ACT in a recently returned overseas traveller.
The individual attended the following public venues while unknowingly infectious. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Exposure Site |
Date |
Time |
Monitor for symptoms until |
|---|---|---|---|
Hertz Car Rental Agency, Canberra Airport |
16/02/2026 |
5:00pm – 7:30pm |
06/03/2026 |
Arrivals – ground level, Canberra Airport |
16/02/2026 |
4:30pm – 5:30pm |
06/03/2026 |
Gungahlin Walk-In Centre |
18/02/2026 |
3:15pm – 5:40pm |
08/03/2026 |
Emergency Department waiting room, Canberra Hospital |
18/02/2026 |
6:00pm – 8:30pm |
08/03/2026 |
We are following up known contacts in line with national guidelines to provide them with appropriate advice.
Anyone who has not already been contacted by HCSD and attended these locations within the listed times is advised to:
- Monitor for symptoms of measles. It can take up to 18 days to develop symptoms after being exposed.
- If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles and wear a face mask when you go.
- If you have not received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) or are unsure, please contact a GP or pharmacist (for people from 5 years) to receive a measles-containing vaccine. This works best when given soon after being exposed, usually within 72 hours. The vaccine is free in the ACT but an administration fee may apply.
- Call HCSD on (02) 5124 9213 if you have a weakened immune system (e.g. people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer or people who take high-dose steroid medications), are pregnant and unvaccinated, or have an infant under 12 months of age.
Symptoms of measles include:
- fever
- tiredness
- runny nose
- sore and red eyes
- cough
- non-itchy, blotchy red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body
Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that is spread 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. Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles. To be fully vaccinated, people need to receive two doses of a measles containing vaccine at least four weeks apart.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, it is safe to have a third dose. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist (for people from 5 years) if you have questions or concerns.
Many Australians born between 1966 and the mid-1990s may have only received one measles- containing vaccine dose as a part of their childhood schedule. These adults are recommended to receive a second dose.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an early dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should talk to their GP.
