Be alert but not alarmed.
That’s the message from doctors as Australia deals with a local surge of measles, sparked by a global rise in cases amid declining childhood vaccination rates.
A little more than three months into 2025, Australia has already recorded 54 measles cases for the year, including 20 in New South Wales, 17 in Victoria and 13 in Western Australia.
That’s compared to 57 for all of last year, and just 26 in 2023, although Australia had previously dealt with significant numbers in 2019, when 284 cases were recorded.
While there have been cases of transmission within Australia, most cases are still occurring in people returning from overseas destinations experiencing outbreaks.
How do we protect ourselves?
Medical professionals say the number one defence against the spread of measles is immunisation, and are urging people to check they’re fully vaccinated against the disease, by having received two doses.
Newborns are able to receive their first vaccine between six to 12 months of age, depending on whether they’re travelling to a high risk area, and their second dose for full protection at 18 months.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners vice-president Ramya Raman said parents don’t need to panic and can take normal precautions.
“Precautions should always be considered, so handwashing, keeping surfaces nice and clean, and if anyone is feeling unwell to seek medical attention,” she said.
“It is concerning that there is measles around, but we also have to remember that it is a condition that is preventable with a vaccination.
The outbreak has triggered measles alerts for the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
Dozens of potential exposure sites are listed in each of those jurisdictions and can be found on local health department websites.
Do families need to isolate?
Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen said the outbreak hadn’t reached the point where doctors needed to advise families with newborns to avoid big crowds or parts of the country where measles has been detected.
“We also can’t have people feeling like they need to live in a bubble for months and months of their lives,” Dr McMullen said.
“Every family will make a bit of a risk decision, and at the moment there is no public health advice for people to be restricting their movements because of measles in particular.”
Will the outbreak intensify?
Although it’s considered to be one of the most highly contagious diseases, widespread transmission of measles in Australia is still thought to be unlikely because of the nation’s high immunisation rates among children.
There is concern from some medical experts, however, that there has been a decline in the proportion of children getting immunised since 2020.
Parents of newborns, and those who aren’t vaccinated against measles may want to consider speaking to their doctor before travelling overseas, especially to countries where the disease is more prevalent.
“It’s important for people to remember that not all countries have measles as well controlled as Australia does,” Dr McMullen said.
“When planning international travel, particularly with infants and very young children, it’s always important to have a conversation with your doctor and to think about the various infection risks that can occur overseas, and make decisions about travel according to that.”
But the vaccination rate is patchier with adults, with Australians aged in their mid 30s to early 60s likely to have had only one dose.
Some adults who have migrated to Australia may have also had only one dose (or none) and are also recommended for vaccination.
How bad were previous measles outbreaks?
Since the initial measles outbreak in the early 1990’s, Australia has had several significant peaks in cases.
Along with other infectious diseases, the data is collected by a national authority, the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.
How much is overseas travel to blame?
Victoria is stepping up its calls for people to ensure they’re fully vaccinated against measles, with recent cases in the state not coming from returned travellers.
“What we are seeing with measles right now in Victoria is concerning — it is highly contagious and can lead to serious health complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death,” a Victorian Department of Health spokesperson said.
“Recent cases in Victoria have no history of overseas travel or links to other measles cases meaning there is now local transmission of measles in the community.
“Vaccination against measles is safe, effective, and free — and the best way to avoid serious illness.”
Victoria’s total of 17 cases so far this year compares to eight at the same time last year.
By Blake Kagi
