A recent increase in measles cases in New South Wales, Australia, has been primarily caused by infections acquired in Southeast Asia, according to health authorities. The NSW Department of Health reported 60 confirmed measles cases in the state between January 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026. Out of these cases, 34 individuals contracted measles overseas, with 32 of them having traveled to Southeast Asian countries.
Another 18 cases in NSW were connected to a person who had acquired measles abroad, while the source of infection for the remaining eight cases is unknown. Data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System revealed 25 confirmed measles cases in NSW in 2026 so far, compared to 37 cases in 2025 and 18 in 2024.
In the neighboring state of Victoria, 21 measles cases were reported in 2026, down from 36 cases in 2025 and 17 cases in 2024. Vicky Sheppeard, the executive director of Health Protection NSW, emphasized the importance of vaccination in light of the report. Australia’s measles vaccination rate for two-year-olds stands at 91.2%, slightly below the 92-94% national coverage target required for herd immunity, as per federal government data.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, coughing, sneezing, or breathing air exhaled by an infected person. The virus can remain active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it extremely infectious. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles infection and transmission, as it helps the body combat the virus effectively.
