Measles Exposure Sites: Warringah Mall, Manly Dam, and Balgowlah Coles

Big W and Woolworths at Warringah Mall, Manly Dam and Coles in Balgowlah have been identified as known measles exposure sites. This comes as NSW Health confirmed there are 11 cases of measles in the last three weeks with an increased risk declared for NSW. Two of those 11 were recently identified. One case acquired measles locally in Sydney from a known case earlier this month, and the other case recently returned from South-East Asia. Big W and Woolworths at Warringah Mall had an infectious person visit the store on Thursday, 15 January 2026, between 8:00pm and 9:30pm. This was confirmed in a statement sent by Scentre Group which Manly Observer has seen. These two locations have not yet been placed on the full list of measles exposure sites. Manly Dam had an infectious person visit on Sunday, 18 January 2026, between 4pm and 5:40pm. Coles Balgowlah had an infectious person visit on Sunday, 18 January 2026, between 5:15pm and 6:00pm. People are often infectious prior to showing symptoms. Anyone who visited either of these locations during those hours are advised to monitor for symptoms for 18 days after visiting either location at that time period. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough. This is usually followed (three or four days later) by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face then spreads down the body. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention; however, call ahead to your doctor or health service (including the Emergency Department) to let them know you may have come into contact with measles and wear a face mask. Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. It can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. “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 Christine Selvey, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW said in a statement. “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. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses. Consult your family doctor for further advice. A full list of measles exposure sites around NSW can be found here.