Health authorities in Australia have issued a measles alert for Sydney following confirmation that an infected traveler passed through the city’s international airport while contagious. The New South Wales (NSW) Health Department announced that the individual, who had recently arrived from Southeast Asia — a region currently facing multiple measles outbreaks — landed in Sydney on Monday aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN773.According to officials, the passenger moved through Sydney International Airport’s arrival and baggage collection areas between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. that morning. Authorities are urging anyone who was on the same flight or in those areas during that timeframe to be alert for symptoms and monitor their health for the next 18 days, which is the potential incubation period for the virus.Symptoms and Risk of TransmissionDr. Mitchell Smith, Acting Director of Public Health for the South Western Sydney Local Health District, emphasized the importance of early detection. He explained that initial symptoms of measles often resemble those of other viral illnesses and include a fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough. A few days later, a blotchy rash typically appears, spreading from the face to the rest of the body.Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne particles when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy to contract in confined public spaces like airports. Those most vulnerable to severe illness include young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.Rising Cases in AustraliaSo far in 2025, Australia has recorded 80 confirmed measles cases — a significant rise compared to 57 cases in 2024 and just 26 in 2023, according to data from the federal government’s National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. Public health experts believe that increased international travel, reduced vaccination rates in some areas, and growing global outbreaks are contributing factors to this resurgence.Why Vaccination MattersThe World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. The measles vaccine is both safe and highly effective, helping the body build immunity and prevent severe complications. Before widespread immunization efforts began in 1963, measles caused major outbreaks approximately every two to three years, leading to an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.Despite the availability of vaccines, measles continues to claim lives, especially among children under five. In 2023 alone, approximately 107,500 people — mostly young children — died from measles worldwide.What You Should DoIf you were present at Sydney International Airport on Monday morning or were on Vietnam Airlines flight VN773, health officials recommend watching for symptoms until at least 18 days after potential exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and call ahead to inform healthcare providers of the possibility of measles to avoid exposing others.Authorities continue to urge all Australians, especially those traveling internationally, to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date.