In an age where international travel has become more accessible than ever, the risk of global disease transmission is a reality that Australians must be vigilant about. Recent reports from health authorities in Victoria and New South Wales have raised concerns about a resurgence of measles. The new cases have been directly linked to travel from popular destinations such as Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia, prompting an urgent call to action for individuals to review their vaccination status.
The situation is particularly pressing as Victoria has reported five new measles cases, escalating the state’s total to 13 for the year 2025. Three of these cases are associated with travellers returning from Bali, a favourite holiday spot for many Australians. The remaining two cases are tied to a local outbreak, with one instance of transmission occurring within a primary healthcare waiting room—a stark reminder of the disease’s highly infectious nature.
Recent exposure sites in Melbourne include several nightclubs on Chapel Street, such as Revolver Upstairs, ONESIXONE, and Somewhere Bar, during the Labor Day long weekend. Additionally, multiple shopping centres and hotels have been identified, including seven stores at Highpoint Shopping Centre, Taylor’s Lakes Hotel, and various fast-food outlets in Mornington on March 7. Hospitals have also been affected, with exposure recorded at Frankston Hospital’s emergency department from March 11 to 13 and Rosebud Hospital’s emergency department on March 11.
The potential for widespread transmission is significant, given the volume of people who frequent these areas. Health officials are urging those who have visited the listed locations to be on high alert for measles symptoms, which may manifest up to 18 days after exposure. Classic signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation can occur, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria’s health department has noted a troubling dip in vaccination rates, which have fallen below the 95 per cent national target. This decline has had real-world consequences, with the majority of recent measles cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is free for those born after 1966, is a crucial line of defence, especially for travellers heading to Southeast Asia.
NSW Health has reported a measles case in a recent traveller returning from Southeast Asia, where outbreaks are ongoing in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This person was infectious during an international flight and visited several locations in Sydney, potentially exposing countless others to the virus.
Potential exposure sites include Vietnam Airlines flight VN773 from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney on Monday, 10 March, as well as the Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim between 10am and 12pm. Additionally, on Thursday, 13 March, exposure was reported at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, specifically in the Emergency Department waiting room from 10:30am to 5pm.
Health officials like Dr Mitchell Smith from the South Western Sydney Local Health District are imploring the public to monitor for symptoms and to practice caution by calling ahead before visiting healthcare facilities if they suspect they’ve contracted measles.
The call to action is clear: Australians must ensure their measles vaccination status is up to date. The MMR vaccine is not only free for children at 12 and 18 months but is also available for those born after 1965 who may not have received two doses. With the ease of international travel, it’s imperative for those planning to visit areas with active measles outbreaks to be fully vaccinated. Even infants under 12 months can receive their first dose earlier if they’re travelling to high-risk regions.
For those uncertain about their vaccination history, seeking an additional dose is a wise precaution. Extra vaccinations are both safe and effective, and the MMR vaccine is readily available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for individuals over five years old.
As measles cases continue to emerge, the importance of vaccination and public awareness cannot be overstated. Health officials are urging Australians to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and ensure their immunisation is up to date to prevent further spread.
What are your thoughts on the recent measles outbreak? Do you think more should be done to raise awareness about vaccination? Share your insights in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
Also read: Experts warn Australia is unprepared for the next health crisis
