Health experts 'alert' not 'alarmed' as measles cases rise in Australia
Measles cases in Australia have increased in 2026 compared to the previous year, prompting health experts to advise vigilance. Many cases are linked to travelers returning from regions in South and South-East Asia experiencing outbreaks. Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination to maintain herd immunity and protect against the disease.
- ▪The Australian Centre for Disease Control reported 102 measles cases in 2026 so far, up from 78 in the same period in 2025.
- ▪Most cases are among under-vaccinated individuals who contracted the disease overseas.
- ▪New South Wales has recorded the highest number of cases this year, with 48 reported since January 1, 2026.
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Measles cases rise in Australia as authorities monitor deadly outbreaks in South and South-East AsiaBy Sally Brooks with wiresTopic:MeaslesWed 27 May 2026 at 3:25pmWed 27 May 2026 at 3:25pmWed 27 May 2026 at 3:25pmChildren with measles receive treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, earlier this month. (Reuters: Mohammad Ponir Hossain )In short:More cases of measles have been reported in Australia in 2026 than the same period in 2025, data from the Australian Centre for Disease Control shows.Many of the cases are travellers returning from South and South-East Asia, where there are outbreaks of the disease.What's next?Health experts are urging people to make sure they are vaccinated.abc.net.au/news/measles-cases-rise-in-australia-as-authorities-monitor-outbreaks/106722836Link…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).