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October 20, 2026

Northern Rivers measles alert

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Lismore Base Hospital C-Block. Photo supplied.

Health authorities have issued another measles alert on the Northern Rivers.

The advice comes after someone with a confirmed infectious case reportedly visited several locations in Lismore, Casino and Kyogle over the past fortnight.

The new case is linked to a previously notified case in the area.

The locations are no longer considered a risk but people who attended the following listed locations at the listed times are warned to be on the alert for measles symptoms, which can take up to eighteen days to appear after an exposure.

  •  Monday 17 February 2025 – Ritchies IGA Kyogle, from 1 to 2pm; Kyogle Ampol Fuel, from 5:10 to 5:50pm.
  • Tuesday 18 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 7am to 4pm.
  • Wednesday 19 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 7am to 4pm; EG Group service station, cnr Brewster and Uralba Streets, Lismore, from 3:40pm to 4:20pm; Casino Woolworths, from 4 to 5pm.
  • Thursday 20 February 2025 – Lismore Base Hospital, from 6am to 3pm.
  • Friday 21 February 2025 – Ritchies IGA Kyogle, from 1 to 2pm.
  • Saturday 22 February 2025 – Beansprout Café in Mitre 10, Kyogle, from 10:30 am to 12:30pm.

North Coast Population and Public Health Director Dr Valerie Delpech says fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough are typical symptoms, 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.

Vaccine reminder in face of global outbreaks

‘It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or Emergency Department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,’ Dr Delpech says.

Authorities are reminding people to be up to date with their vaccinations and say the measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

‘Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,’ Dr Delpech says.

‘This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.’

The vaccine is free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses are advised to get a vaccine, especially if planning to travel.

The MMR vaccine is available from GPs and people over 5 years of age can receive it via pharmacies.

For more information on measles, NSW Health has supplied a measles factsheet​.



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

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