Health experts strongly advise travelers to verify their vaccination history before departing for destinations, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
So, is your next vacation putting you at risk for this resurging virus?
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As the peak spring and summer vacation seasons approach, Australian authorities are alerting tourists to the increased risk of catching measles abroad, particularly when visiting popular spots like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
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According to the CDC, measles cases are surging rapidly in Indonesia, which currently faces one of the most significant outbreak rates globally.
In Thailand, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that transmission is increasing and the disease remains endemic. While Australia was once in a similar position, it was officially declared measles-free by the WHO in 2014.
Infection numbers have also jumped in Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the USA. The CDC indicates that the United States has already dealt with 14 new outbreaks in 2026, following a year where infections topped 2,200.
Earlier this year, an unvaccinated passenger on a flight from Europe to Denver reportedly infected over a dozen people, according to data from the University of Minnesota.
The CDC notes that this highly infectious disease spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. Because these particles can hang in the air for two hours, high-traffic areas like restaurants and airports – where travelers often compare airport parking charges per day – become primary transmission zones. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinct rash.
The CDC emphasizes that the high contagiousness of measles allows it to move easily across international borders.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense, yet immunization rates have declined in several countries. The CDC states that a single dose is 93% effective, while completing the two-dose series provides 97% protection.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard of New South Wales Health explained that because vaccination guidelines have evolved over the decades, many adults may lack the full two-dose protection. She recommends that anyone unsure of their status get a booster before traveling, perhaps using parking discounts to save money for their medical prep instead.
