NSW measles cases surge, linked to Southeast Asia travel and adult infections

NSW Health has sounded the alarm after a new report revealed a surge in measles cases in the state, with the majority linked to overseas travel, particularly to Southeast Asia.

Sixty cases of the highly contagious disease were reported to NSW Health between January 1, 2025 and March 7, 2026.

Of those, 34 were acquired overseas, with 32 of those linked to travel in Southeast Asia. The remaining two overseas cases were believed to have been contracted elsewhere.

Locally acquired cases numbered 26, with 18 linked to known overseas-acquired cases and eight with no known source at the time of reporting.

Three-quarters of all cases were people aged 20 and over, while infections in children remained low with just eight in those under nine years of age.

Executive director of health protection NSW Vicky Sheppeard said although measles could sometimes spread locally within NSW, most cases were linked to international travel.

Dr Sheppeard urged families to use the data as a reminder of the importance of vaccination.

“School holidays are approaching, when many families travel, so we are calling on people to use this data as a timely reminder of why vaccination is so important,“ she said.

Australia was declared measles-free in 2014, a status largely maintained thanks to high vaccination rates. However, the virus remains common in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, with nine out of 10 susceptible people exposed to the virus likely to develop the illness. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing by infected individuals.

Despite its contagious nature, measles is vaccine-preventable. Two doses of the vaccine, administered at least four weeks apart, provide long-term protection in 99 per cent of vaccinated people.

“Measles vaccine is free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel,” Dr Sheppeard said.

Children and young adults up to 19 years of age are eligible for free measles vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, typically given at 12 months and 18 months. Those aged six to 11 months travelling overseas may receive an additional early dose. Parents should consult their GP.

“By maintaining high vaccination rates in Australia, we can limit the spread of measles if it is brought in from overseas. Achieving a rate of 95 per cent or higher also provides herd immunity to protect those who can’t be vaccinated due to their age or medical conditions,“ Dr Sheppeard said.

Measles vaccines are available from GPs for all ages and at pharmacies for people over five years old.