Travelers to, from, and within Australia and New Zealand need to be informed and take precautions as the global measles outbreak continues to spread.
On October 16, the Australian Centre for Disease Control last updated its webpage dedicated to measles, also known as rubeola. The source notes that, “In measles outbreaks, the public health response focuses on quickly identifying and isolating infected people.” The authority’s National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System reports that 147 measles cases were reported in 2025, with 53 of those in Western Australia, 35 in Victoria, and 28 in New South Wales. Furthermore, 29 of this year’s cases were experienced by those aged 25 through 29.
Just over a week later, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health noted that the country was experiencing “an escalating national risk of measles.” The ministry added that cases had recently been reported in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, and Nelson. Moreover, the country’s designated health website shared that “locations of interest” – places where someone with measles visited – include sites in Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui, Tasman, and Marlborough.
The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently advises travelers to “practice usual precautions” against measles in Australia and New Zealand. The authority classifies the risk as a “Level 1” travel health notice, adding that “measles cases are rising in many countries around the world.”
Is There A Measles Outbreak In The U.S.?
The last time the CDC updated its information about measles in the U.S. was in early November, as of this reporting. According to the health authority, in 2025, the U.S. had 1,681 confirmed measles cases reported. Although those cases were reported across 42 states, 803 of the 1,681 reported illnesses were in Texas. Out of the total number of cases this year, 40% of the sick were aged 5 through 19, and 92% who developed the disease were unvaccinated. The CDC says there have been three official deaths from measles in 2025 and 203 hospitalizations related to having the disease. Additionally, the source reports that the annual number of measles cases is the highest it has been since the early 1990s.
Regardless of whether you’re flying abroad or staying local, measles outbreaks should be taken seriously. Measles is an extremely contagious airborne disease caused by the spread of a virus. The elderly, young children, those who are pregnant, and those who are immunocompromised are particularly vulnerable. There can be flu-like symptoms, a rash, red eyes, muscle pain, and more. Complications can be life-threatening. According to the CDC, the best prevention against measles is being fully vaccinated against it, meaning getting two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
