Australia Issues Health and Travel Alert Regarding Prevalence of Measles in Vietnam and Thailand

Thailand Medical: Measles Surge in Thailand and Vietnam Sparks Health Warnings in Australia
Australia has issued a health and travel advisory following a surge in measles cases in South-East Asia, particularly in Vietnam and Thailand. This alarming trend has led to a rise in infections among Australian travelers returning from these countries. Health authorities are urging people to check their vaccination status and take precautions before traveling.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-08/measles-outbreaks-in-south-east-asia-bringing-cases-to-australia/104789088
 

Australia Issues Health and Travel Alert Regarding Prevalence of Measles in Vietnam and Thailand

Vietnam and Thailand have recorded thousands of new measles cases in 2024, a sharp increase from the low numbers reported in 2023. Vietnam’s health ministry has confirmed over 6,700 cases this year, alongside 13 fatalities, most of which involved young children or elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Similarly, Thailand reported more than 7,500 cases in 2024, a dramatic spike compared to the 38 cases reported the previous year.
 
Interestingly, there has been no press releases or updates from the Thai health officials about the measles situation in Thailand and the same for diseases like Mpox, Zika Virus, COVID-19 etc.
 
In Australia, recent measles cases have been linked to travel in these regions. Victoria’s acting Chief Health Officer, Dr. Evelyn Wong, noted, “There has been an increase in notified cases of measles in returned travelers across Australia in recent weeks.”
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/new-measles-case-in-victoria-4
 
This Thailand Medical News report explores the factors driving these outbreaks and the measures required to address them.
 
Understanding Measles and Its Symptoms
Measles is among the most contagious viral infections known to humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a single infected person can transmit the virus to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals in close proximity. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it highly transmissible.

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes), and a runny nose. These symptoms may seem generic at first, but within four days, the characteristic red, spotty rash appears. This rash typically begins on the head and neck before spreading to the rest of the body.
 
While many recover after experiencing these symptoms, complications are not uncommon. Measles can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, or severe diarrhea, particularly in children and immunocompromised adults. In rare cases, the infection can cause brai n inflammation (encephalitis), which can lead to permanent brain damage or death. An even rarer condition, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), can develop years after the initial infection, with fatal consequences.
 
The Role of Vaccination
Measles is preventable through vaccination. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine offer 99% protection against the disease. However, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in gaps in vaccination coverage worldwide. WHO estimates that in 2023, 34.6 million children missed their measles vaccine doses globally. This figure includes 22.2 million who missed their first dose and 12.3 million who missed their second dose.
 
In Vietnam, vaccine shortages between 2022 and 2023 have exacerbated the problem, leaving hundreds of thousands of children unprotected. WHO data shows that 70-80% of infected children in Vietnam were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
 
Similarly, in Thailand, vaccination rates in some southern provinces that are predominantly populated by Muslims, are as low as 40-50%, significantly below the national average of 80-90%.
 
The spread of misinformation and conflicting reports about vaccines has also played a role in declining immunization rates. Some parents believe that vaccines cause side effects such as autism.
 
Why the Outbreaks Are Concerning
South-East Asia’s dense population and thriving tourism industry make the region particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The recent measles surge has coincided with increased international travel during the holiday season and ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, further amplifying the risk of transmission.
 
In Vietnam, some health officials are considering lowering the minimum vaccination age from nine months to six months to protect younger infants, who are at the highest risk of severe illness. Meanwhile, Thailand has ramped up vaccination drives in high-risk areas, but challenges remain in reaching underserved communities.
 
Australia’s Response
In Australia, the MMR vaccine is free and widely available to anyone born after 1965, regardless of Medicare eligibility. Those born before 1965 are presumed to have natural immunity, as measles was widespread during their childhood.

Health experts recommend that travelers, particularly those visiting countries experiencing outbreaks, ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Migrants and individuals without documentation of prior vaccinations are also advised to get immunized. Pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems should consult their healthcare providers, as the MMR vaccine is not recommended for these groups.
 
Professor Angela Webster, an epidemiologist at the University of Sydney, emphasized the importance of vaccination. “Many people have been shielded from understanding how serious measles is because it’s been so well controlled for decades,” she said. However, declining vaccination rates leave communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
 
The Path Forward
Experts agree that vaccination is the key to controlling measles. Public health campaigns should focus on dispelling myths and misinformation about vaccines while improving access to immunization services. Global health organizations must also address logistical challenges, such as vaccine shortages and funding gaps, to prevent future outbreaks.
 
As travelers increasingly visit South-East Asia, Australian authorities are urging vigilance. “We’re far from seeing the end of measles,” said Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious disease expert. “But from an individual point of view, it’s completely preventable. Vaccination is key.”
 
Conclusion
The resurgence of measles in South-East Asia underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks of this highly contagious disease. The situation in Vietnam and Thailand highlights the vulnerabilities created by disrupted immunization programs and misinformation about vaccines. For countries like Australia, where vaccination coverage has historically been high, these outbreaks serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive health measures.

Travelers should ensure they are fully vaccinated before visiting affected regions, and governments must continue to advocate for widespread immunization. By addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy and improving access to healthcare, the global community can work towards eradicating measles and safeguarding public health.
 
For the latest Measles News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-new-measles-d8-variant-in-italy-that-evades-current-test-spreading-silently-in-italy-with-over-231-cases-in-the-first-three-months-of-2024
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-measles-variant-that-can-evade-current-diagnostics-identified-in-italy-more-new-strains-to-be-announced-soon
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/measles-after-flu-or-any-other-respiratory-infections-can-result-in-severe-lung-damage