Singapore steps up public health safeguards as local measles cases increase amid global surge

• Singapore recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, all involving unvaccinated individuals, as global infections surpass pre-pandemic levels and imported cases pose ongoing risks.
• The Communicable Diseases Agency has stepped up isolation, quarantine, contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis, with enforcement measures in place to curb potential community transmission.
• Health authorities urge the public to ensure full MMR vaccination, especially before travel.

Singapore's health authorities are strengthening precautionary measures following a rise in measles cases locally, in line with a broader increase in infections reported around the world.

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, compared to two cases during the same period last year. All cases involved individuals who were not fully vaccinated, including three infants who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Amongst the 11 cases, one was a tourist and the others live in Singapore. Seven cases had travelled overseas recently.

Globally, measles cases have been trending upwards. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 11mn infections in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In the Western Pacific region — which includes East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and most of Southeast Asia — confirmed cases increased to 42,000 by late 2025, up from 8,000 the year before.

While Singapore achieved measles elimination status in 2018, authorities noted that imported cases remain a risk due to international travel. Laboratory testing also found three of the 11 cases to be genetically linked, despite no known contact between the individuals, suggesting possible limited community exposure. Investigations are ongoing.

Stepping up precautionary measures

As a precaution, CDA is stepping up various public health measures in light of the rise in measles cases both globally and domestically. These include the following: 

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.
   1. 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.
5. Casual, non-close contacts will be advised to monitor their symptoms, and to seek medical care should symptoms develop.

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.

Healthcare professionals have been advised to remain vigilant for symptoms, particularly among unvaccinated individuals or those with recent travel history.

The CDA has also encouraged the public to adopt the following precautions 

• 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.
• 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.
• Avoid close contact and sharing of common items with persons who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness.
• Wear a mask for respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.
• 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.
• Stay home if unwell, seek medical attention promptly, and inform the doctor of any recent travel history.

Authorities emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, which spreads easily among unvaccinated populations and can lead to complications, especially in young children. 

Under Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, children under the age of 12 residing in Singapore are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine at 12 and 15 months. Adults without prior vaccination or confirmed immunity are encouraged to 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.

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