Overseas Travel Driving Most Measles Cases in NSW — Source: NSW Health
12 Mar 2026
According to Vicky Sheppeard, 60 measles cases were reported to NSW Health between 1 January 2025 and 7 March 2026.
The report found:
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34 cases were acquired overseas, including 32 linked to travel in Southeast Asia
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Two overseas cases were likely caught outside Southeast Asia
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26 infections were acquired locally
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18 local cases were linked to someone who had travelled overseas
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Eight local cases had no known source at the time of reporting
Around three-quarters of the cases were adults aged 20 years and over. Cases in children have remained low, with eight cases reported in children under nine years old.
Australia was declared measles-free in 2014, mainly because of high vaccination rates. However, the disease is still common in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia.
Dr Sheppeard said most measles cases in NSW are brought in through international travel, although some local transmission can still happen.
With school holidays approaching, health authorities are reminding people to check they are up to date with their vaccinations before travelling.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and about nine out of ten unvaccinated people who are exposed will develop the illness. The virus spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease can be prevented with the Measles vaccine. Two doses given at least four weeks apart provide long-term protection for about 99% of people.
Health experts say some adults may not have received two doses because vaccination recommendations have changed over time. In NSW, the vaccine is free for anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses.
Under the National Immunisation Program, children receive free measles vaccines at 12 months and 18 months of age. Babies aged six to 11 months can also receive an early dose if travelling overseas.
Keeping vaccination rates at 95% or higher helps provide herd immunity, protecting people who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.
The measles vaccine is available through GPs for all ages and pharmacies for people aged five years and older.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Source: NSW Health