Measles Cases Rise in Australia, Linked to Travel and Local Spread

Health authorities in multiple Australian states have reported an increase in measles cases, with a significant proportion linked to international travel and some evidence of local transmission. Public health alerts have been issued for various exposure sites, and officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

National Case Trends and Context

Australia was declared to have eliminated endemic measles transmission by the World Health Organization in 2014. However, cases continue to be reported, primarily linked to overseas travel.

• In 2025, Australia recorded 180 measles cases, according to one source, while another source reported 168 cases for the year. This represents an increase from the 57 cases recorded in 2024.
• In the first months of 2026, cases have been reported in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
• NSW reported 60 confirmed measles cases between January 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026. Of these, 34 were acquired overseas, with 32 of those linked to travel in Southeast Asia. Another 18 locally acquired cases were linked to imported cases, while the source for eight cases was undetermined.
• As of early 2026, NSW had recorded 25 confirmed cases for the year, compared to 37 for all of 2025. Victoria reported 21 cases in 2026, following 36 in 2025.

Sources of Infection and Recent Clusters

The majority of recent infections are associated with travelers returning from countries experiencing outbreaks, particularly in Southeast Asia. Destinations frequently mentioned include Indonesia (including Bali), Vietnam, and Thailand. Other countries with ongoing transmission, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, have also been noted.

Several specific clusters have prompted public health alerts:

• A cluster originating from a single traveler in late December 2025, referred to as the "Boxing Day cluster," resulted in cases across multiple states. Exposure sites included shopping centres, cinemas, cafes, and flights.
• In South Australia, a case was confirmed in an adult in Adelaide in late January 2026 with no recent travel history, which health officials stated indicated undetected local transmission. This was the second case reported in the state in 2026.
• NSW Health reported that, as of March 2026, five recent infections in the state had no known source, suggesting undetected community transmission.

Public Health Exposure Alerts

Health departments have listed locations visited by infectious individuals. People who were present at these sites during specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms.

• Marion Westfield Shopping Centre and Event Cinemas Marion (December 26)
• Cockles Café, Port Elliot (December 28)
• Adelaide Airport (December 29)
• Qantas Flight QF748 from Adelaide to Sydney (December 29)

• Unley Swimming Centre, Forestville (January 26)
• Adelaide Metro trams (January 27)
• BHP office, Franklin Street, Adelaide (January 27)
• Rolls n Rice, King William Street, Adelaide (January 27)
• 48 Flavours, Unley Road, Hyde Park (January 27)

• Sydney Airport Domestic Arrivals Hall (December 29)
• Macquarie Centre (December 27)
• Westfield Hornsby food court and Kmart (December 30)
• Waitara Family Medical Practice (December 29)
• Emergency departments at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (December 31) and Concord Repatriation General Hospital (January 3)

Vaccination Coverage and Recommendations

Health authorities state that vaccination is the most effective protection against measles. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are approximately 99% effective.

• The measles vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP), routinely given to children at 12 and 18 months of age.
• Data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) indicates a decline in childhood vaccination coverage. Nationally, coverage for two-year-olds has been reported at 89.7% and 91.2% in different sources, below the 92-95% threshold considered necessary for herd immunity.
• Coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine is reported to be lower than for the first dose.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated its advice for infants traveling internationally. It now recommends that children aged six to 11 months receive an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine before travel. This early dose provides temporary protection and does not replace the routine NIP doses at 12 and 18 months.

• Individuals are advised to check their vaccination status.
• Adults born in or after 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses are eligible for a free vaccine.
• Travelers should ensure they are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.
• Infants as young as six months can receive an extra dose if traveling to high-risk areas.

Measles Symptoms and Public Advice

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes. A characteristic red, blotchy rash usually appears three to four days later, starting on the face and spreading downward.

• The virus spreads through airborne particles and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
• An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
• Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Health authorities advise anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed to contact their doctor by phone before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further transmission.