Measles Outbreak — Cairns Situation (as of September 2025)

A measles outbreak has been declared in Cairns and the Hinterland region. Since 1 September 2025, there have been at least 12 confirmed cases.
Some cases are locally acquired, others traceable to overseas travel (notably Bali).
Exposure sites include public places (restaurants, hostels, shopping centres), as well as Cairns Hospital maternity ward and other hospital units.
Public health advice: people should check their vaccination status, be alert for symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, rash), and isolate if suspected measles.

Measles: Key Facts

Measles is a highly contagious virus transmitted through aerosolised droplets (coughing, sneezing).
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red blotchy rash usually starting on the face and spreading.
Incubation: typically ~10 days (range 7–18 days).
People are infectious from ~4 days before rash appears to ~4 days after.

Vaccination Recommendations (Australian Immunisation Handbook)

According to the Handbook and ATAGI guidance:

Children aged ≥12 months
- Should receive two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
- First dose at ≥12 months, second dose routinely at 18 months (or earlier in some circumstances)
Infants <12 months
- Not routinely vaccinated before 12 months, but may receive an early dose if travelling to areas with high measles prevalence or during outbreaks.
- If an MMR dose given <12 months, children still require the standard two doses at ≥12 months.
Adolescents and adults born during or since 1966
- Should have documented evidence of 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart, both at ≥12 months of age or serological evidence of immunity.
- If incompletely vaccinated or no proof, they are recommended to receive the vaccine.
Healthcare workers
- Extra priority: HCWs born during or since 1966 should ensure 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine or immunity confirmation since they pose risk both to themselves and vulnerable patients.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis
- For people exposed to measles, depending on immune status and vaccine history, there are guidelines for using MMR vaccine and/or immunoglobulin within a certain window after exposure (up to 6 days for immunoglobulin in some groups).

Recommendations for Clinicians / Public Health / Patients in Cairns

Check vaccination status of all patients, especially those born since 1966. If incomplete, vaccinate appropriately.
Encourage people travelling overseas (especially to South-East Asia or other measles endemic areas) to verify they have 2 doses or get vaccinated.
Isolate suspected measles cases immediately, notify public health units, test (serology, PCR).
Implement infection control in hospitals: mask use in exposure units, restrict contact for nonimmune staff, etc.
Community awareness: people in exposure sites should monitor symptoms and avoid exposing vulnerable individuals (infants, immunocompromised) while symptomatic.

References