Recent visitors to Byron Bay are urged to watch for measles symptoms and check vaccinations after an infectious case attended several venues this month.

Health authorities say the alert is especially concerning for the Northern Rivers, where childhood vaccination coverage has been among the lowest in Australia for years.

Recent figures put two-year-old vaccination on the NSW North Coast at about 86 per cent, well below the 95 per cent target needed to reliably prevent outbreaks.

Earlier data for parts of Byron Shire, including Mullumbimby, showed barely half of local two-year-olds fully immunised in 2015–16.

Public health experts have long warned that such gaps leave communities like Ballina and Byron Bay more vulnerable when diseases such as measles are re-introduced.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in New South Wales, with 18 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026, many linked to international travel.

Where and when exposure occurred

People who were at the following Byron Bay locations at the listed times are being asked to watch for symptoms of measles:

• Monday, 9 February – Northern Rivers Football Academy fields, Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, 7pm to 9.30pm
• Tuesday, 10 February – businesses at 73–75 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, all day
• Tuesday, 10 February – Ms Ho Hot Rolls, 88 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, 1pm to 2.30pm
• Wednesday, 11 February – businesses at 73–75 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, all day
• Wednesday, 11 February – Ms Ho Hot Rolls, 88 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, 1pm to 2.30pm
• Friday, 13 February – Byron Central Hospital Emergency Department, 3pm to 6.10pm

The health district says these locations no longer pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who was there at the specified times should remain alert for symptoms until  March 3.

Extra care for vulnerable people

If it has been less than six days since exposure at one of these locations and you are:

• pregnant
• have a weakened immune system, or
• have an infant who was exposed

you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for individual advice.

Symptoms to look out for

Regional Public Health Director Dr Valerie Delpech, said anyone who visited the listed locations at those times should keep a close eye on their health.

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

“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 up until 3 March 2026.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

Vaccination advice for local families

“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,” 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 safe and effective and is provided free in NSW for:

• children at 12 months and 18 months of age
• anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses.

Children under 12 months who are travelling overseas can have their first MMR dose up to six months early; parents are advised to speak with their GP.

People who are unsure whether they have had two doses are encouraged to get vaccinated, as extra doses are safe. MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for people over five years of age.

Health authorities say staying up to date with vaccinations and seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms appear are the best ways for Ballina and Northern Rivers families to protect themselves and their community.