There are currently measles outbreaks overseas and in Australia with significant outbreak affected countries in the Asia-Pacific region including New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines. As a consequence of these ongoing outbreaks and the high volume of travellers between Australia and our regional neighbours, there is a high risk of continued importation of measles cases into Australia over the coming months.

Health professionals are asked to remain alert to the possibility of measles in returning travellers and obtain a travel history for all patients who present with signs and symptoms of possible measles. Public health authorities in your state or territory should be contacted immediately if you suspect a patient has measles.

The Australian Government Department of Health is encouraging Australian travellers to check their vaccination records before they travel and consult their general practitioner or travel doctor regarding vaccination requirements for their destination. For further information and updates see: www.health.gov.au/measles-outbreak