In 2014, Australia achieved the elimination of endemic measles. Although outbreaks still happen occasionally, they are largely linked to infections from abroad.

These outbreaks are managed swiftly to avoid wider dissemination of the infection, with the last incident of more than 60 cases in a single year occurring in 2019.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms usually appear seven to 18 days after infection.

The most well-known symptoms of measles are a flu-like illness, which typically lasts two to four days, and a blotchy red rash.

The rash typically appears on the neck or face two to seven days after the symptoms start, then spreads to the body. It does not itch but can last four to seven days.

Other common measles symptoms include:

In severe cases, which are not uncommon, other complications can arise including lung infection (pneumonia), ear infection, and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

When was the last major measles outbreak in Australia?

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Australia had eliminated endemic measles in 2014, there have been several contained outbreaks in the years since.

These outbreaks typically begin when an Australian resident travels abroad, becomes infected, then returns to Australia, where the infection then spreads.

The most significant spike in measles case numbers in recent years was in 2019, when more than 280 cases of measles were recorded (almost three times the number that had been recorded the year prior) across more than 30 outbreaks.

Most of the outbreaks were traced back to Australian residents returning from overseas.

Lockdowns and social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic saw case numbers plummet to just 25 in 2020 and zero in 2021.

Only seven cases were recorded in 2022, followed by 26 in 2023 and 57 in 2024.

How can I track measles outbreaks and health alerts?

Stay across current measles outbreaks and health alerts by monitoring your state government’s Department of Health websites: