The Singapore Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) recently reported a rise in measles cases, marking a concerning shift in public health. In January 2026, Singapore saw 11 cases of measles, an increase from just two cases the previous year. Notably, all individuals infected were not fully vaccinated. This included three infants under 12 months who are not yet eligible for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Among these cases, one was a tourist, while the rest were residents. Seven of the infected individuals had traveled abroad recently.
Interestingly, three of the 11 cases were confirmed to be genetically linked, despite having no known interaction. This raises concerns about possible local transmission within the community. The CDA is actively investigating to understand the situation better.
In light of this rise in cases, the CDA has introduced several proactive health measures:
Confirmed cases must isolate until they’re no longer infectious. Those not hospitalized will undergo home isolation, with random video calls to ensure compliance.
Contact tracing will identify anyone who might have been exposed to the virus.
High-risk close contacts, like infants and pregnant women, will receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of severe symptoms if they contract measles.
Non-immune close contacts, mainly unvaccinated individuals, will face a quarantine of up to 21 days to minimize community spread. They will also be monitored via video calls.
Individuals in high-risk jobs, such as those working with infants, will be required to take a leave of absence until 21 days post-exposure.
Casual contacts will monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.
Failure to comply with quarantine orders can lead to legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.
Healthcare providers are urged to stay vigilant for any possible measles cases, especially among those who recently traveled or are unvaccinated, and to inform the CDA immediately.
The CDA plans to keep monitoring the measles situation and adjust public health responses accordingly to safeguard community health.
Vaccination remains a critical defense against measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing long-lasting immunity after the full series. High vaccination rates are essential not only for individual protection but also for creating herd immunity, which shields those unable to be vaccinated, like young infants and immunocompromised individuals.
In Singapore, the law mandates measles vaccination for children under 12. The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule recommends the first MMR dose at 12 months and the second at 15 months. It’s crucial for parents to ensure their children receive these vaccinations on time. Adults who were not vaccinated or don’t have proof of immunity should also seek the MMR vaccine.
Recent data shows a troubling trend worldwide as only about 85% of children globally received the MMR vaccine in 2021, down from pre-pandemic levels. This decline raises the risk of outbreaks, making public health awareness and vaccination efforts more important than ever. By bridging the gap in vaccination, communities can protect their most vulnerable members.
