Measles Alert: Travel to Southeast Asia and Beyond Poses Increased Risk for Australians
As many Australians plan their Easter holidays, a significant health concern is emerging: the risk of measles transmission, particularly for those travelling to popular Southeast Asian destinations like Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand. Australian health authorities are flagging ongoing measles outbreaks in these regions, prompting a crucial reminder for families to check their vaccination status.
The concern isn’t just about travellers contracting the disease overseas; it extends to the potential for reintroducing measles into Australia and triggering local outbreaks. While Australia was declared measles-free in 2014, the global prevalence of the virus, coupled with increased international travel, means the risk of importation remains.
What’s Happening in Southeast Asia?
Several popular holiday spots are currently experiencing measles outbreaks:
Indonesia (including Bali): Bali is a perennial favourite for Australian travellers, and Indonesia continues to grapple with periodic measles outbreaks. As of February 2026, the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) ranked Indonesia third globally for measles outbreaks, behind only India and Angola.
Vietnam: Vietnam has seen a notable increase in measles activity in recent years, with young children being particularly affected.
Thailand: Measles is endemic in Thailand, meaning the virus is consistently present within the community. World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates a significant surge in transmission since 2023.
Beyond Southeast Asia, measles transmission is also ongoing in other popular destinations such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
Measles Cases in Australia: A Growing Concern
The threat is not theoretical. Several Australian jurisdictions have reported measles cases linked to overseas travel, predominantly from Southeast Asia. While most cases in New South Wales over the past year were imported, a concerning trend is the emergence of locally acquired infections. Between January 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026, 34 out of 60 infections in NSW were acquired overseas. Of the 26 locally acquired cases, 18 were directly linked to an imported case, and eight had no clear source, suggesting community transmission is occurring.
Measles has also been reported in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory in 2026, highlighting the widespread nature of the current concern.
Why the Fuss About Measles?
Measles is far from a mild childhood illness. It is one of the most infectious diseases known to humankind. The virus spreads through tiny airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours, making transmission highly efficient in enclosed, crowded spaces like airports, shopping centres, restaurants, and hospitals.
The infectious period begins up to four days before the rash appears and continues for four days afterwards. This means individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to many others before they are even aware they are sick.
The initial symptoms of measles often resemble a flu, but it can lead to severe complications, including:
- Lung infections (pneumonia)
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
In high-income countries, approximately one to three in every 1,000 infections can be fatal.
The Crucial Role of Vaccination and Herd Immunity
For measles to be effectively controlled and outbreaks prevented, a high level of population immunity is required – around 95%. This phenomenon is known as “herd immunity,” where the vast majority of the population is immune, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated, such as very young infants, individuals undergoing chemotherapy, and those with compromised immune systems.
Unfortunately, national data from 2024 reveals a dip in vaccination rates for young children. While approximately 94.7% of Australian children receive their first measles vaccine dose at 12 months, coverage drops to around 89.5% for the second dose at 18 months. This shortfall in herd immunity is a key factor contributing to the current outbreaks.
Essential Travel Preparations for Families
The most critical step travellers can take is to ensure they and their children are fully vaccinated against measles. If vaccination schedules are not up-to-date, arranging for catch-up immunisations is essential. This not only protects individuals from contracting the disease but also prevents them from bringing it back to Australia and exposing vulnerable populations, including infants too young to be vaccinated and pregnant individuals who may experience more severe illness.
- Checking Vaccination Status: Parents can often check their children’s vaccination records through their myGov account or by contacting their healthcare provider.
- National Immunisation Program: Measles vaccines are provided free of charge to children at 12 and 18 months of age under Australia’s National Immunisation Program.
- Early Vaccination for Infants: Infants as young as six months can receive an “early” dose of the measles vaccine if travelling. This early dose is safe, effective, and well-tolerated, but these infants will still require their routine doses at 12 and 18 months.
- Adult Vaccination: Adults born in 1966 or later who have not received two documented doses of the measles vaccine should consider getting vaccinated.
The measles vaccine boasts an excellent safety and effectiveness record, with two doses providing long-lasting protection for approximately 99% of vaccinated individuals. It is recommended to get vaccinated at least two weeks before departure to allow immunity to develop.
Staying Vigilant: A Collective Responsibility
Controlling measles is a global challenge that demands local vigilance. As international travel continues to increase, ensuring that vaccinations are up-to-date remains one of the most reliable strategies for protecting individuals, communities, and the most vulnerable among us.
The measles virus is highly contagious and can spread easily through airborne particles, posing a significant risk in crowded indoor environments.
Travellers planning trips to popular destinations like Bali are urged to check their measles vaccination status.
