Sydney, Australia – A concerning rise in measles cases in New South Wales (NSW) is being attributed primarily to infections contracted during travel to Southeast Asia, according to a new report released by NSW Health on Thursday. The surge underscores the ongoing risk posed by international travel and highlights the importance of vaccination against this highly contagious disease.
Between January 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026, health authorities were notified of 60 confirmed cases of measles within the state. A significant proportion – 34 cases – were acquired overseas, with 32 of those linked to travel to countries in Southeast Asia. This data points to a clear connection between international travel and the re-emergence of measles in NSW, a state that was declared measles-free in 2014.
The report also details that 18 locally acquired cases have been linked to individuals who previously contracted measles overseas, even as the source of infection remains unknown in another eight cases. According to data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System maintained by the Australian Center for Disease Control, NSW has recorded 25 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of Thursday, a notable increase compared to the 37 cases reported for all of 2025 and 18 in 2024. NSW Health is actively monitoring the situation and providing guidance to travelers and healthcare professionals.
Measles Cases Rising Across Eastern Australia
The increase in measles cases isn’t limited to NSW. The neighboring state of Victoria has also experienced a rise, reporting 21 cases in 2026, compared to 36 in 2025 and 17 in 2024. This regional trend further emphasizes the broader risk associated with international travel and the potential for outbreaks in areas with high vaccination coverage.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, emphasized the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. “The latest NSW Health data shows although measles can sometimes spread locally in NSW, most cases are linked to international travel,” Dr. Sheppeard said. She further stated that the approaching school holidays, when many families travel, serve as a timely reminder of the importance of vaccination.
Measles is known to be one of the most contagious diseases, with nine out of ten susceptible individuals exposed to the virus developing the illness. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Despite its high contagiousness, measles is preventable through vaccination. Two doses of the measles vaccine, administered at least four weeks apart, provide long-term protection in 99 percent of vaccinated individuals.
Vaccination Rates and Herd Immunity
Australia’s current measles vaccination rate for two-year-olds stands at 91.2 percent, according to federal government data. While this is a relatively high rate, it falls short of the 92-94 percent national coverage target needed to achieve herd immunity, which protects those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions. The recent surge highlights the vulnerability created by even a slight gap in vaccination coverage.
The majority of measles cases in NSW have been observed in adults, with three-quarters of those infected being aged 20 years and over. Cases in children remain relatively low, with only 8 notifications in children under 9 years of age. This demographic pattern suggests that waning immunity in adults, coupled with travel to regions where measles is prevalent, may be contributing to the increase in cases.
As families prepare for school holidays and potential international travel, health officials are urging individuals to check their vaccination status and ensure they are fully protected against measles. Travelers are also advised to be aware of the symptoms of measles – fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash – and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may be infected.
The situation will continue to be monitored closely by NSW Health and other public health agencies. Further updates and guidance will be provided as the situation evolves. The focus remains on maintaining high vaccination rates and preventing the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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