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Communicable Diseases Agency
Press Releases

CDA to implement enhanced precautionary public health measures from 1 April 2026

31 March 2026

  1. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reported in January 2026 that it had found three genetically linked cases with no epidemiological connections. Following investigations, CDA has found no evidence of further linked cases, or transmission into the community. However, we must continue to be vigilant as Singapore remains at risk of imported infections with high measles rates overseas. CDA will therefore implement enhanced public health measures for measles as the new baseline from 1 April 2026.

  2. Twelve new measles cases were reported between 1 February 2026 and 24 March 2026. All cases are persons living in Singapore, with six having recently travelled overseas. Among the 12 cases, 11 of them were not fully vaccinated, including two infants under 12 months old who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. Amongst the 12 cases, eight are not genetically identical to one another, while four cases are part of a known cluster. There is no evidence of wider community spread. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

Revised Public Health Measures

  1. CDA had stepped up public health measures in February 2026 while investigations into the possibility of community transmission from three genetically linked cases were ongoing. From 1 April 2026, CDA will implement revised public health measures that maintain most of the stepped-up precautionary measures implemented since February 2026, while ensuring long-term operational sustainability. The measures are:

    1. Continue mandatory testing of all suspect measles cases, with additional measures for those who work or study in high-risk settings, such as childcare centres with infants below 12 months or healthcare facilities with medically vulnerable individuals. From 1 April 2026, individuals in high-risk settings will not be allowed to return to school or work until they test negative for measles.

    2. Continue mandatory isolation of laboratory-confirmed cases until they are no longer infectious. Cases who are not admitted to hospitals will be placed on home isolation, and random checks will be conducted throughout their period of isolation to ensure they remain at home.

    3. Contact tracing will continue to be conducted for all infected cases. All contacts, including casual, non-close contacts, will be advised to monitor their health for symptoms and to seek medical attention if unwell.

    4. Close contacts who are susceptible to infection, namely those who are unvaccinated or without evidence of immunity, will no longer be quarantined from 1 April 2026. They will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce their risk of infection and prevent further transmission. Those who work or study in high-risk settings will also be subject to additional measures, including leave of absence from childcare centres and redeployment to non-patient-facing roles in healthcare facilities, for up to 21 days from their last exposure.

  2. While we may occasionally detect small clusters with limited spread given the global rise in measles cases, the risk of large outbreaks in the community remains low due to the high vaccination coverage and herd immunity among Singapore residents. CDA will closely monitor Singapore’s measles situation and adjust our public health measures as it evolves, to prevent community transmission and maintain our herd immunity.

Vaccination is Key to Preventing Measles

  1. Measles is highly transmissible among unvaccinated individuals, with the infectious period typically beginning up to four days before and after a rash appears. The most effective way of preventing measles infection is to be vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe and confers long-term immunity after completion of the recommended doses. High vaccination coverage not only protects individuals but creates herd immunity within the Singapore population that protects those who are unable to receive vaccination, such as infants under 12 months and severely immunocompromised individuals.

  2. Under the Infectious Diseases Act, measles vaccination is compulsory for children under the age of 12 residing in Singapore. The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) recommends MMR vaccination at 12 months (first dose) and 15 months (second dose). It is important that parents ensure that their young children receive two doses of the MMR vaccination on time. Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults without previous vaccination or evidence of past infection or immunity should receive two MMR doses. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status or who have not been vaccinated with two doses should consult their healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.

  3. MMR vaccination is available at polyclinics, general practitioner (GP) clinics and private paediatric clinics. Singapore citizens who meet the criteria for vaccination under NCIS and NAIS will receive subsidies at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinics and polyclinics. Permanent residents who meet the criteria for vaccination under NCIS and NAIS will receive subsidies at polyclinics. MediSave can also be used at MediSave-accredited clinics, including CHAS GP clinics and private paediatric clinics.

Public Health Advisory

  1. CDA advises the public to remain vigilant and adopt the following precautions:

    1. Ensure full measles vaccination, especially before travel. Those who are uncertain about their immunity status are recommended to seek medical assessment at least four to six weeks before travel to confirm measles immunity, or receive the MMR vaccine.

      1. Given the increase in measles infections globally, parents travelling with their infants aged six to 11 months old are advised to seek medical assessment. They may be recommended to have their infants vaccinated with one dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before their travel to reduce the risk of infection during the trip.

      2. Even if an infant has received one dose of MMR vaccine before 12 months of age, they should still follow the NCIS recommendations and receive two additional doses for long-term protection.

    2. Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap, particularly before handling food or eating, after using the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol;

    3. Avoid close contact and sharing of common items with persons who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness;

    4. Wear a mask for respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose;

    5. Practise good respiratory hygiene by covering mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately; and

    6. Stay home if unwell, seek medical attention promptly, and inform the doctor of any recent travel history and exposure to sick contacts.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY

31 MARCH 2026

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