Surge in Measles Cases Prompts Health Alerts Across New South Wales and Queensland
Authorities report a worrying increase in measles infections, urging the public to verify vaccination status.
Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have issued warnings due to a significant rise in measles cases, with expectations that the total will surpass last year’s numbers by the end of January 2025. As of now, there have been 17 confirmed cases in the state for 2025, compared to 18 cases reported across all of 2024. This increase is attributed to international travel, particularly individuals returning from countries currently experiencing measles outbreaks.
Among the 17 cases this year, 11 involved travelers, primarily from Vietnam, while the remaining cases were contracted within households and local communities.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant highlighted the importance of receiving both doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, stating that optimal protection is achieved only after completing the full vaccination course.
The MMR vaccine is reported to be 99% effective against measles.
In response to potential exposure, NSW Health has issued several community alerts since the beginning of the year, indicating locations where confirmed cases have visited.
Notable sites in Sydney include Westmead Children’s Hospital and several food outlets in Maroubra and Randwick.
Additionally, a confirmed measles case in February involved a patient visiting 16 locations in the crowded Central Business District.
Brisbane has also experienced a surge in measles alerts, with Queensland Health confirming cases linked to a two-year-old boy who tested positive after being active in the community starting from December 9, 2024. The child was infectious while visiting various sites in Brisbane's northern suburbs.
Another case linked to an infectious individual visiting multiple shops and malls in south and central Brisbane from December 12 to 16 prompted additional public health measures.
Public health officials emphasize that symptoms of measles typically appear between seven and 18 days after exposure and include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash.
The resurgence of measles cases has raised concerns among medical professionals, who note that the decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this outbreak.
Access to immunization services was limited during the pandemic, causing delays in vaccinations for many children.
Health experts are stressing the urgency of ensuring proper vaccination, especially for children traveling overseas, who can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine at six months.
The rise in measles cases also reflects a broader global concern, with various countries reporting an increase in infections attributed to declining vaccination rates and international travel.
Authorities continue to encourage the verification of vaccination records and proactive immunization as critical measures to prevent further outbreaks.
Among the 17 cases this year, 11 involved travelers, primarily from Vietnam, while the remaining cases were contracted within households and local communities.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant highlighted the importance of receiving both doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, stating that optimal protection is achieved only after completing the full vaccination course.
The MMR vaccine is reported to be 99% effective against measles.
In response to potential exposure, NSW Health has issued several community alerts since the beginning of the year, indicating locations where confirmed cases have visited.
Notable sites in Sydney include Westmead Children’s Hospital and several food outlets in Maroubra and Randwick.
Additionally, a confirmed measles case in February involved a patient visiting 16 locations in the crowded Central Business District.
Brisbane has also experienced a surge in measles alerts, with Queensland Health confirming cases linked to a two-year-old boy who tested positive after being active in the community starting from December 9, 2024. The child was infectious while visiting various sites in Brisbane's northern suburbs.
Another case linked to an infectious individual visiting multiple shops and malls in south and central Brisbane from December 12 to 16 prompted additional public health measures.
Public health officials emphasize that symptoms of measles typically appear between seven and 18 days after exposure and include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash.
The resurgence of measles cases has raised concerns among medical professionals, who note that the decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this outbreak.
Access to immunization services was limited during the pandemic, causing delays in vaccinations for many children.
Health experts are stressing the urgency of ensuring proper vaccination, especially for children traveling overseas, who can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine at six months.
The rise in measles cases also reflects a broader global concern, with various countries reporting an increase in infections attributed to declining vaccination rates and international travel.
Authorities continue to encourage the verification of vaccination records and proactive immunization as critical measures to prevent further outbreaks.
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