• Measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travellers are getting infected.
• Travellers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events.
• Measles is a highly contagious virus that can easily spread from an infected person to others through coughing and sneezing.
• The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces after an infected person leaves an area.
• Other people can become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths.
• People can spread measles up to four days before until four days after their rash begins.
• Signs and symptoms of measles include a red bumpy rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
• Measles can be severe at any age and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.
• More common complications include ear infections and diarrhoea.
• Some people are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.

Measles Outbreaks in Asia

Country	Reported Cases (2025)	Key Details
Vietnam	81,691 suspected cases	WHO assesses the outbreak risk as very high, recommending large-scale vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas.
Thailand	7,507 cases in 2024	A significant increase from 38 cases in 2023, with continued transmission into 2025.
Indonesia	Thousands of cases	Ongoing outbreaks linked to low immunization coverage and high population density.
Philippines	1,627 cases in 2024	Majority of cases in the Bangsamoro region due to low vaccination coverage.
Cambodia	Increasing cases	Rising numbers reported in early 2025.
Mongolia	Increasing cases	Noted rise in measles cases compared to the same period last year.
South Korea	52 cases in 2025	Highest number in six years, with many cases linked to international travel.

Vaccination Recommendations

• It is possible to do a blood test to determine if you have immunity.
• Pre-Travel Booster Vaccination: Usually 2 doses of MMR at least 1 month apart.
• Infants Traveling: Babies aged 6 to 12 months travelling to countries with measles outbreaks should receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine, followed by the standard schedule at 12 and 18 months.