Measles cases are on the rise in Australia, and health experts are concerned about the potential consequences. With 22 cases reported this year, the country is mirroring a global increase in the spread of this viral disease. The situation is particularly alarming in Queensland, where eight cases have been recorded, and New South Wales, where seven cases have been identified. Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia have also reported cases, according to the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) data as of February 6th.
Health authorities in Victoria have linked the recent surge in measles cases to overseas travel, warning that outbreaks have been reported in popular Australian travel destinations, including Indonesia, Thailand, and India. Indonesia, which became Australia's favorite international travel destination in 2023, had the highest number of cases between June and November 2025, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Two experts interviewed by SBS News attributed the rising measles infection rates in Australia to increased international travel following the end of COVID-19 restrictions. They also cited vaccine skepticism and an underestimation of the severity and contagiousness of measles as contributing factors.
Measles can spread through air conditioning systems, making it highly contagious. Infectious disease physician and clinical microbiologist Paul Griffin emphasized the danger measles poses to health, stating that about one in 1,000 to one in 10,000 cases lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia or brain inflammation and swelling. Dr. Griffin also highlighted the extreme contagiousness of the disease, explaining that exposure to someone with measles can lead to infection even after a few hours.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Chair, Dr. Tim Jones, agreed, describing measles as highly contagious, even more so than COVID-19. According to the CDC, up to nine out of 10 people without immunity will become infected after exposure to an infected person.
Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are significant concerns. The CDC advises that two measles vaccinations are 99% effective at preventing infection. However, Australian vaccination rates, especially among children, have decreased in recent years. The Department of Health data reveals that around 93% of five-year-olds and 89.5% of two-year-olds are fully vaccinated, falling below the target of 95% needed for herd immunity.
Dr. Jones attributed the increased spread of measles to vaccine hesitation, noting that it's becoming harder to convince people to get vaccinated. The years of COVID-19 restrictions and mandates have induced skepticism about vaccination in some Australians, as families are tired of constantly changing advice.
To address this issue, Dr. Jones suggested that sitting down with families and discussing the risks associated with measles can change people's minds. He emphasized the long history of measles and the effectiveness of the vaccine, which has been around for a long time.
Australia faced a major measles outbreak in 1994, with 4,794 confirmed cases. The two-dose vaccination schedule was introduced for children aged 10 to 16, and by 2000, vaccination rates were sufficient to reduce the virus's circulation. The two-dose vaccine offers 99% protection against illness and serious complications, according to the CDC.
Measles often presents with flu-like symptoms, but it's crucial to look out for a rash, cough, and conjunctivitis, which are telltale signs. Since 1994, most Australians have received their vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). In 2014, the WHO declared measles eliminated in Australia due to the endemic strain not circulating for several years, thanks to the vaccine's effectiveness.
However, cases continue to occur, mostly in travelers. Dr. Jones expressed concern about the steady decline in vaccination rates, leading to a tripling of measles cases in Australia over the last year. He emphasized the need for concern and action to prevent further spread.
