Planning an Easter getaway to Bali, Vietnam, or Thailand? It's time to prioritize your measles vaccination status. These Southeast Asian destinations, along with others, are grappling with ongoing measles outbreaks, and Australian health authorities are sounding the alarm. With travel on the rise during the holiday season, the risk of bringing this highly contagious disease back to Australia and sparking an outbreak is a very real concern.
The situation is dire, with several Australian jurisdictions reporting measles cases linked to travel, particularly in Southeast Asia. What's more alarming is that some infections have occurred in Australians who haven't traveled and have no known contact with measles cases, suggesting local transmission is a significant risk. This is exacerbated by the fact that fewer young children are receiving the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine, leaving them vulnerable.
Southeast Asia is a hotspot for measles outbreaks. Indonesia, a top destination for Australian travelers, has been grappling with periodic measles outbreaks, and as of February 2026, it's listed as the third country in the US CDC's top ten for measles outbreaks, behind India and Angola. Vietnam, too, has seen a rise in measles activity, particularly affecting young children. Thailand, on the other hand, has measles endemic, meaning the virus is always present in the community, and the WHO reports a surge in transmission since 2023.
The issue extends beyond Southeast Asia, with measles transmission continuing in the UK and the United States. Travel-related cases are driving infections in Australia, with most measles cases in New South Wales linked to overseas travel. Between January 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026, 34 of 60 infections were acquired overseas, with 32 of those cases in Southeast Asia. Locally acquired infections are also on the rise, with 18 directly linked to imported cases and eight with no clear source, indicating community transmission.
Measles is far from a routine childhood illness. It's one of the most infectious known diseases, spreading through tiny airborne particles that can remain suspended in indoor air for up to two hours. This makes crowded places like airports, shopping centers, restaurants, and hospitals high-risk areas for transmission. An infected person can spread measles even before they know they have it, from four days before the rash appears to four days after, leaving many exposed before a diagnosis is made.
The consequences of measles can be severe, including lung infections (pneumonia), ear infections (otitis media), and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). About one to three in 1,000 infections in high-income countries can be fatal. Despite this, measles remains a concern due to its highly contagious nature.
Herd immunity, achieved when about 95% of the population is immune, is crucial to protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated. However, national data from 2024 reveals that only about 94.7% of Australian children receive their first measles vaccine dose at 12 months, and coverage drops to around 89.5% for the second dose at 18 months. This low vaccination rate is driving the current Australian outbreaks.
For travelers, ensuring full vaccination and arranging catch-up vaccines if needed is paramount. This reduces the risk of getting sick and bringing measles back to Australia, exposing vulnerable groups like infants too young to be vaccinated and pregnant people who may experience more severe disease. Infants as young as six months can receive an early dose if traveling, which is safe, effective, and well-tolerated, in addition to their routine doses at 12 and 18 months.
Adults born in 1966 or later who don't have two documented doses should also consider vaccination. The measles vaccine boasts an excellent safety and effectiveness record, with two doses providing long-lasting protection for around 99% of people. It's recommended to get vaccinated at least two weeks before departure to allow immunity to develop.
In conclusion, staying vigilant about measles vaccination is crucial, especially with the rise in international travel. As Emma Birrell, an Immunisation Clinical Nurse Specialist, emphasizes, ensuring vaccinations are up to date is one of the most reliable ways to protect individuals, communities, and the most vulnerable among us.
