NPHS is alerting healthcare professionals to an escalating risk of measles in people who have travelled to South-East Asia. This follows a rapid increase in imported measles cases reported in Australia since December 2024, all of which were linked to travel to this region. Cases have been reported in multiple states including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Vietnam and Thailand have reported an increase in cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, with several large outbreaks ongoing. Increased travel to these countries over the New Zealand summer period increases the risk of unvaccinated travellers developing measles infection.
Aotearoa New Zealand remains at very high risk of a large measles outbreak as population immunity is well below the 95% required to prevent outbreaks. Early identification of measles cases enables a rapid public health response and increases our ability to prevent or control an outbreak.
Read the latest Te Whatu Ora Public Health Alert for further advice.
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