Measles cases rise in Australia; health experts urge vigilance

Health experts are urging Australians to remain "alert" but not "alarmed" as measles cases increase compared to last year. Data shows 102 cases reported by May 24 this year, a rise from 78 during the same period in 2025. Many of these cases involve travelers returning from regions like South and Southeast Asia, where measles outbreaks are ongoing, leading to tragic deaths among unvaccinated children in countries like Bangladesh.

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alert but not alarmed

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring both national and international outbreaks. A spokesperson highlighted the increased risk of imported cases due to frequent travel connections with affected regions. They stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and ensuring individuals are protected before traveling.

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Internationally, there has been a resurgence in measles in a number of countries, including parts of South-East Asia and other regions with frequent travel connections to Australia. This increases the risk of imported cases and reinforces the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, and ensuring people are protected before travelling.

Most Australian cases this year have been linked to under-vaccinated individuals who contracted the disease overseas, with limited subsequent local transmission to unvaccinated contacts. Rebekah Hoffman, chair of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW and ACT branch, advised against excessive alarm but underscored that measles is a "really awful disease that spreads really quickly." She recommended booking appointments six to eight weeks before travel for those unsure about their vaccination status.

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But it is a really awful disease that spreads really quickly. You do need to be really alert.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that can cause severe complications, including lung infection, ear infections, and brain inflammation. Groups at higher risk of severe illness include those not immune, individuals with weakened immune systems, and children under five. Dr. Hoffman emphasized that vaccination is the best protection and crucial for maintaining Australia's "herd immunity," which requires vaccination rates between 92% and 95%. New South Wales has reported the highest number of cases this year, with 48 cases since January 1, 2026, already exceeding the total for the full year 2025.

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herd immunity