Measles

We generally think of Malaria and Hepatitis when we travel overseas, however Measles is usually long forgotten in the preparation. In fact there have been a significant amount of cases brought back to Australia by overseas travellers who are generally unaware that they are at risk. This has long known to be a problem related to travel but appears to have worsened since borders reopened after Covid 19.
Measles is an unpleasant illness for individuals but is also highly infectious to others, particularly young children, unvaccinated individuals and those with impaired immune systems. It also causes a massive workload for contact tracing teams at the WA Health Department.
Prevention is key. There is a free MMR vaccine available to most travellers, particularly those born between 1966 and 1982 who may only have had one vaccine and should get another. Most people born before 1966 will have natural immunity. Most people born more recently are fully immunised.
WHO declared Australia measles free in 2014. All subsequent outbreaks here have been traced back to someone returning with it from overseas, making immunity in travellers vital.
Whilst given at 12 and 18 months on the current childhood schedule, the first dose can be given as young as 9 months and early immunisation is often considered for those children whose overseas travel puts them at particular high risk.

Are you immune to Measles?

ABC: Measles Outbreak in South East Asia

Health Direct: Measles

Dr David Rutherford