Public health measures stepped up as measles cases rise globally and in Singapore

1. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has detected an increase in the number of measles cases in Singapore and is stepping up precautionary public health measures to prevent community transmission. This increase reflects a worldwide trend, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 11 million measles infections globally in 2024 – exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 800,000 cases.  

2. As of November 2025, WHO reported 42,000 confirmed cases in the Western-Pacific region (East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and most of Southeast Asia), compared to 8,000 cases in 2024, representing a five-fold increase. The Americas and Europe also saw significant increases in measles cases in 2025. At least seven countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, lost their measles elimination status due to sustained transmission.

3. While Singapore achieved measles elimination status¹ in 2018, the risk of imported cases continues to pose a concern. Despite high vaccination coverage among local residents, Singapore remains exposed to imported cases as it is a major travel hub. Residents who are not fully vaccinated could also be infected when they travel overseas.

4. Singapore recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, compared to two cases in January 2025. All 11 cases involved individuals who were not fully vaccinated, including three infants under 12 months old who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. Amongst the 11 cases, one was a tourist and the others live in Singapore. Seven cases had travelled overseas recently.

5. Of note, three of the 11 cases were subsequently confirmed by laboratory testing to be genetically linked, even though they had no known contact with each other. This suggests the possibility of undetected local transmission in the community. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

Stepping up of Precautionary Measures

6. CDA investigates all notified cases of measles and is monitoring the situation closely. We are stepping up precautionary public health measures in light of the rise in measles cases globally and locally. These include:

   1. Mandatory isolation of confirmed cases until they are no longer infectious. Cases who are not admitted to hospitals will be placed on home isolation, and random video call checks will be conducted throughout their period of isolation to ensure compliance.

   2. Contact tracing will be conducted for all infected cases.

   3. Close contacts who are at high-risk, such as young infants, non-immune pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), to mitigate the risk of severe symptoms should they be infected with measles.

   4. Close contacts who are non-immune, namely those unvaccinated, will be placed under quarantine for up to 21 days to minimise the risk of transmission in the community. They will be placed on home quarantine unless their home is assessed to be unsuitable. Random video call checks will be conducted throughout their period of quarantine to ensure they remain at home.

   5. If these individuals complete their vaccinations, administered PEP or are tested to be immune during quarantine, they will be able to end their quarantine. However, if these individuals work in high-risk settings, such as hospitals or infant and childcare centres, they will be issued hospitalisation leave until 21 days after their exposure to the virus.

   6. Casual, non-close contacts will be advised to monitor their symptoms, and to seek medical care should symptoms develop.

7. Individuals who fail to comply with any home isolation or quarantine order issued under the Infectious Diseases Act may be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to imprisonment and/or a fine.

8. Medical practitioners should remain vigilant for measles cases, particularly in patients who have recently travelled overseas or who have not been fully vaccinated, and should notify CDA promptly of suspect cases.

9. CDA will continue to 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 in Prevention of Measles

10. Measles is highly transmissible among unvaccinated individuals, with the infectious period typically beginning up to four days before and after a rash appears. Measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in children younger than five years old.

11. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. The public should remain vigilant and adopt the following precautions:

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

    2. Maintain good personal hygiene at all times. 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.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY

6 FEBRUARY 2026

¹ To achieve WHO’s measles elimination status, countries must have high vaccination coverage and meet three criteria: interruption of endemic measles spread; high quality surveillance to detect imported cases; and genotypic evidence showing absence of previously endemic measles virus.