Health authorities have identified several popular Manly venues as potential measles exposure sites, urging patrons who visited during specific times to monitor for symptoms.
NSW Health has expanded its measles outbreak warnings to include the Northern Beaches, with three Manly hospitality venues among the locations where an infectious person was present in early March.
Felons Brewing Co. at Manly Wharf was visited by a confirmed case between 6.30pm and 8.00pm on Thursday, 5 March. Two venues were also flagged for Sunday, 8 March: Donny’s Bar on Market Lane from 3.00pm to 5.00pm, and Henry G’s Wine Parlour on The Corso between 4.30pm and 7.00pm. JB & Sons Restaurant on Sydney Road was also listed for that evening, from 7.00pm to 8.40pm.
Transport routes have also been affected, with a bus travelling from Manly Wharf to Northern Beaches Hospital on the evening of 5 March identified as an exposure location.
The health warning comes as authorities confirm a shift in transmission patterns. While earlier cases this year were linked to overseas travel, recent infections are believed to have spread locally within the community.
Dr Stephen Conaty, director of the South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, said anyone who attended the listed venues during the specified times should remain vigilant for symptoms until the dates indicated in the health alert.
Measles typically begins with fever, sore eyes, runny nose and cough, followed three to four days later by a distinctive red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear following exposure.
Health authorities are stressing the importance of vaccination, particularly for anyone born after 1965, who should ensure they have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine can prevent infection even after exposure if administered early enough.
The MMR vaccine is provided free for children at 12 and 18 months of age, and remains free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who has not yet had two doses. It is available through GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for those over five years.
NSW Health has confirmed 60 measles cases so far this year, with roughly equal numbers acquired locally and overseas, predominantly from south-east Asia.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or with concerns about potential exposure is advised to contact their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Those seeking medical attention should phone ahead to alert staff of possible measles exposure to avoid waiting in public areas with other patients.
A full list of exposure locations and monitoring periods is maintained on the NSW Health website.
Published 16-March-2026
