The Department of Health issued an alert due to increased global and interstate measles outbreaks. Tasmanians are urged to ensure they’ve received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine for protection, especially when traveling.
Media release – Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, 29 September 2025
Tasmanians alerted to increased risk of measles when travelling
The Department of Health is alerting the community that the risk of measles in Tasmania has increased due to measles cases and outbreaks overseas and interstate.
There are outbreaks in multiple countries and regions, including South-East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the UK and North America.
Measles notifications in Australia have increased due to cases infected during overseas travel, sometimes with further spread in Australia. There is a current measles outbreak in Far North Queensland.
No cases of measles have occurred in Tasmania in 2025, but interstate or overseas travel could result in measles affecting a visitor to Tasmania or a returning resident.
Please check that you and your children have had the vaccines that you need to be protected against measles. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide a high level of protection.
Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms usually start 7 to 10 days after contact with an infected person but can take up to 18 days.
Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough. A red, blotchy rash starts a few days later, usually spreading from the head to the rest of the body.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease. The measles-containing vaccine is safe and effective and is free and routinely offered to all children at 12 and 18 months of age. Infants aged 6 to less than 12 months can have their first dose of measles vaccine early if they are travelling overseas to places where measles is occurring. Catch-up doses are available for people aged less than 20 years who may have missed a dose and humanitarian entrants or refugees of any age.
Free vaccinations are also available for Tasmanians who are:
adults born during or after 1966 who do not have a record of receiving two measles-containing vaccines or a blood test showing immunity
infants aged 6 to less than 12 months who are travelling overseas to places where measles is occurring.
Measles vaccine is available from GPs (all ages), pharmacies (people over 10 years of age) and some local council clinics.
If you, or a family member, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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