By Dr James Knox, Infectious Diseases Specialist

Last updated: March 2026

 

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world — around 90% of non-immune people become infected after exposure — and it is resurging globally.

After several years of disrupted routine immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are now experiencing outbreaks. The Asia-Pacific region in particular has reported increasing case numbers, with outbreaks across parts of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.

For Australian travellers, this matters. Measles spreads easily through international travel, and most Australian cases are acquired overseas or linked to a returning traveller.

The good news? Measles is preventable. Ensuring you are fully vaccinated before travel is simple and highly effective.

The Global Measles Situation

Measles cases have increased worldwide over the past few years. While global vaccination programs have prevented millions of deaths over the last two decades, coverage rates dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating immunity gaps in many communities.

Measles outbreaks are now being reported across multiple regions, including:

• South-East Asia
• Parts of the Western Pacific
• Europe
• The Americas

Because measles is airborne and extremely contagious, it spreads rapidly wherever vaccination rates fall below protective levels.

International travel plays a major role in this spread. A single infectious traveller can expose dozens of people in airports, aircraft cabins, hotels, or healthcare settings.

Why Asia-Pacific Travellers Should Pay Particular Attention

Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region have reported sustained measles transmission in recent years. Large urban centres, major travel hubs, and densely populated areas create ideal conditions for spread.

Australian travellers are particularly at risk if they:

• Are unsure of their vaccination history
• Received only one dose of measles vaccine
• Were born during periods of changing vaccination schedules
• Are travelling with young children

Even short trips can result in exposure, particularly in busy environments such as airports, public transport, shopping centres, and tourist attractions.

 

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets and airborne particles. The virus can remain suspended in the air after an infected person leaves a space.

The average number of people infected by a single measles carrier in a susceptible population is 12 to 18. This is among the highest of any human infection.

Clinical Features of Measles

Early Symptoms (First 2–4 Days)

Measles symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 18 days later.

The illness usually begins with:

• High fever (often above 39°C)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Fatigue

Small white spots inside the mouth (known as Koplik spots) may appear before the rash.

At this stage, people are already highly infectious.

The Measles Rash

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash develops. It:

• Starts on the face and behind the ears
• Spreads downward across the body
• Often coincides with a worsening fever

The rash typically lasts around a week.

In uncomplicated cases, recovery follows — but measles is not always a mild illness.

Why Measles Is More Serious Than Many People Realise

Measles can cause significant complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Common Complications

• Ear infections
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration

Serious Complications

• Pneumonia (the most common cause of measles-related death)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Complications can result in hospitalisation. Around the world each year around 95,000 people die from measles.

Even after recovery, measles can temporarily suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections for weeks to months.

In rare cases, a fatal untreatable brain condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after infection.

Measles is preventable — but once contracted, there is no specific antiviral treatment.

Who Is Most at Risk?

You may be at increased risk if you:

• Have not received two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine
• Are unsure of your vaccination history
• Were born between 1966 and the early 1990s
• Are travelling with infants too young for routine vaccination
• Are pregnant
• Have a weakened immune system

Many adults assume they are protected, but incomplete vaccination remains common.

 

Prevention: The Role of Vaccination

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective.

Two documented doses provide approximately 97% protection and long-lasting immunity.

For travellers:

• Anyone born during or since 1966 needs to have two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine.
• Those born before 1966 are presumed immune, as the virus was widely circulating in Australia at that time.
• Children can receive their first dose of measles containing vaccine as early as 6 months of age if they will be travelling to an at risk area.
• Vaccination should ideally be completed at least two weeks before departure.
  

Checking your vaccination status before travel is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself — and others.

Measles and Travel: Why Pre-Travel Planning Matters

Because measles is airborne and highly contagious, exposure can occur in:

• Airports and aircraft
• Public transport
• Large events
• Healthcare settings
• Hotels and tourist attractions

Importation of measles into Australia typically occurs through international travel. Given the importance of containing the infection, even a single case triggers a large public health responses and exposure alerts.

Ensuring immunity before travel reduces the risk of illness, disruption to your trip, and transmission to vulnerable people at home.

How Glide Online Travel Clinic Can Help

At Glide Online Travel Clinic, we provide:

• A comprehensive assessment and preventive health advice tailored to your itinerary
• Vaccination planning
• Advice and measures to reduce your risk of malaria, gastroenteritis, and other travel-related illnesses.
  

If you are unsure about your measles protection, we can assess your risk and provide clear, evidence-based guidance.

Final Word

Measles is resurging globally, including across parts of the Asia-Pacific region. It spreads easily, can cause serious complications, and is frequently linked to international travel.

The solution is straightforward: check your vaccination status before you travel and get immunised if necessary.

 

About the Author

Dr James Knox is an Australian Infectious Diseases Specialist with a Diploma of Tropical Medicine. He has worked in countries as diverse as Angola, Sudan, India, and Peru. He founded Glide Online Travel Clinic to make pre-travel health advice more accessible to Australians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Measles Vaccine for Travel?

Yes. People born during or since 1966 should ensure they have had two documented doses of measles containing vaccine prior to travel.

I had measles as a child. Am I protected?

Yes. Laboratory-confirmed measles infection provides lifelong immunity. If you are unsure whether you had measles or another childhood rash illness, vaccination is safe and often recommended.

Do I need a booster if I already had two doses?

In most cases, no. Two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide long-term protection. Routine boosters are not generally required.

I’m not sure if I was vaccinated. What should I do?

If there is no documented evidence of two doses, catch-up vaccination is recommended. It is safe to receive additional doses if previous records are uncertain.

Can adults get measles?

Yes. Measles can affect adults, and complications can be more severe than in children. Many adult cases in Australia occur in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers.

What should I do if I develop symptoms after travel?

If you develop fever, cough, or a rash after returning from overseas:

• Call your GP or clinic before attending in person
• Mention your recent travel history
• Avoid public waiting rooms
• Limit contact with others until medically assessed

Early identification helps protect vulnerable members of the community.

What are the side effects of vaccination?

Side effects of vaccination are usually mild, such as a sore arm, redness at the site of injection, fever and rash.

Serious reactions are rare. For a full list of possible side effects see the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Vaccination is not advised for those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Pregnancy should be avoided for 28 days after a measles vaccination.