Australia is experiencing the worst outbreak of measles in over 20 years. The country is on track to see its highest levels of infections in six years. Public health experts are sounding the alarm as the nation deals with an epidemic, especially among youth and young adults. The increase in cases has sparked concerns about vaccination rates and the spread of the virus, especially among individuals who may be under-vaccinated.
The measles virus manifests itself with a very recognizable rash. At first they appear as pin dot sores that combine into irregular, splotchy areas. The rash usually appears three to five days after the prodrome phase begins. This initial stage typically lasts from two to four days. During this pre-ordinary phase, even at the molecular level, people can undergo multiple symptoms. These are a fever more than 38 degrees Celsius, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (redness and swelling of the eye).
Recent Statistics on Measles Infections
In 2025, at the last time point introduced, states such as Victoria had 26 infections, New South Wales had 21, and Western Australia had 18 infections. There have been 14 such infections so far this year, mostly among people 25-29 years old. Alarmingly, pediatric infections soared — children aged 0-4 years old are now reporting the second highest rate of breakdown infections. This increase is an alarming sign of the times for children.
Measles has not been able to circulate widely in Australia historically because there are very high vaccination rates. Yet, as summer approaches, recent campaign figures show the current omission surpassing the amount filed for all of 2024 combined. In 2019, Australia hit its highest peak before now 284 cases. Health officials cite a number of reasons for the increase in infections. They point to increased international travel and a concerning decline in routine childhood vaccinations as key factors.
“We are below the 95 per cent vaccination rate that we need for herd immunity, so overseas arrivals and local infection spreading and the infectiousness of the actual condition is probably all contributing to that,” – Ramya Raman
Vaccination Recommendations
The Australian Immunisation Handbook points out the importance of timeliness in getting vaccinated. This is particularly the case for people born after 1966 who still haven’t gotten their two recommended doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. This recommendation is especially important for health care personnel, preschool and early childhood educators, and long-term-care personnel who are at increased risk for exposure.
Dr. Ramya Raman advises that everyone who was born after 1965 and hasn’t gotten two doses of the MMR vaccine should take action today. They are entitled to up to two free vaccinations through their primary care physician. This national initiative is intended to increase immunity levels in the population at risk and help fight the current rise in cases.
“If you were born after 1965 and haven’t already had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, you can get up to two free MMR vaccinations through your GP,” – Ramya Raman
Additionally, Dr. Raman emphasizes that although vaccination is key, some communities need to prioritize discussing vaccination with their doctors first. Our final thought to all the pregnant women who are currently being discouraged from receiving the vaccine, talk to your general practitioners and consider your options.
Understanding the Measles Virus
The measles virus is a dangerous public health threat because that virus is extremely contagious. People are highly infectious in the days before they develop symptoms. That is especially true for anyone who is feeling sick to get medical attention immediately.
Dr. Raman clarifies that usually, after contracting measles just once, a person has lifelong immunity to the disease. Most Australians born before the two-dose MMR vaccine had been introduced would have only received one dose, thus being classified as “partially vaccinated.”
“This is a highly contagious virus, but it’s also important for patients to seek medical attention if they’re not feeling quite well,” – Ramya Raman
Furthermore, she points out that identifying the measles rash isn’t easy, particularly in people with pigmented skin. What first appears as pinpoint pockmarks can develop into camo camo patterns, making early diagnosis of a spread confounding.
“[The measles rash] is initially spotty, then merges over time to become blotchy patches. And it’s always a little bit trickier to see these spots on patients with darker skin tones,” – Ramya Raman
