A growing concern is the recent surge in measles cases across Australia, with health experts raising the alarm. The situation is dire, and we must act now to prevent a potential crisis.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has seen a global resurgence, with Australia reporting 22 cases so far this year. Queensland leads with eight cases, followed by NSW with seven, Victoria with five, and single cases in Western Australia and South Australia. This mirrors a worrying trend worldwide.
But here's where it gets controversial... The rise in measles cases is linked to international travel, with popular destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, and India reporting outbreaks. Indonesia, a top travel choice for Australians in 2023, had the highest number of cases between June and November 2025, according to the WHO.
Two experts interviewed by SBS News attribute the increase in measles infections to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and a rise in international travel. They also highlight vaccine scepticism and an underestimation of measles' severity and contagiousness as key factors.
Dr. Paul Griffin, an infectious disease physician, warns: "About one in 1,000 to one in 10,000 cases can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death or permanent disability."
Measles is so contagious that you can catch it hours after an infected person has left a location. It can even spread through air conditioning circuits, infecting people in different rooms on the same system. Dr. Tim Jones, Chair of Child and Young Person's Health at RACGP, describes it as "spreading like wildfire."
And this is the part most people miss... The CDC recommends two measles vaccinations, which are 99% effective at preventing infection. However, Australian vaccination rates, especially among children, have been declining in recent years. According to the Department of Health, around 93% of five-year-olds and 89.5% of two-year-olds are fully vaccinated, falling short of the 95% target needed for herd immunity.
Both experts point to vaccine hesitancy as a major driver of the measles spread. Dr. Griffin notes, "It's getting harder to convince people to get vaccinated."
Dr. Jones adds, "COVID-19 restrictions and mandates have left some Australians hesitant about vaccination. Families are tired of constantly changing advice. They're sceptical about the importance of the measles vaccination."
But there's hope... Dr. Jones shares his experience as a doctor, saying, "Sitting down with families and discussing the risks associated with measles often changes their minds. We need to put COVID-19 in context—things were changing rapidly—versus measles, a well-known disease with long-standing, effective vaccinations."
In 1994, Australia faced a major measles outbreak with 4,794 cases. The two-dose vaccination schedule was introduced, and by 2000, vaccination rates were high enough to reduce virus circulation. The two-dose vaccine offers 99% protection against illness and serious complications.
So, what can we do?
- Get vaccinated: Two doses of the measles vaccine are highly effective.
- Stay informed: Keep up with the latest health guidelines and travel advisories.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with infected individuals.
And finally, a thought to ponder...
In 2014, measles was declared eliminated in Australia due to the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, cases continue to occur, mostly in travellers. Dr. Jones warns, "We've seen a tripling of measles cases in Australia over the last year. There should be at least a mild degree of concern about what's happening."
Stay safe, stay informed, and let's work together to prevent a measles crisis.
