Singapore reports increase in measles, steps up public health measures

The Singapore Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reports an increase in the number of measles cases in the country and is stepping up precautionary public health measures to prevent community transmission.

Singapore recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, compared to two cases in January 2025. All 11 cases involved individuals who were not fully vaccinated, including three infants under 12 months old who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. Amongst the 11 cases, one was a tourist and the others live in Singapore. Seven cases had travelled overseas recently.

Of note, three of the 11 cases were subsequently confirmed by laboratory testing to be genetically linked, even though they had no known contact with each other. This suggests the possibility of undetected local transmission in the community. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

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In response, the CDA has implemented the following public health measures:

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.

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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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. Medical practitioners should remain vigilant for measles cases, particularly in patients who have recently travelled overseas or who have not been fully vaccinated, and should notify CDA promptly of suspect cases.

9. CDA will continue to monitor Singapore’s measles situation and adjust our public health measures as it evolves, to prevent community transmission and maintain our herd immunity.

Concerning vaccination:

1. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe, and confers long-term immunity after completion of the recommended doses. High vaccination coverage not only protects individuals but creates herd immunity within the Singapore population, that protects those who are unable to receive vaccination, such as infants under 12 months and severely immunocompromised individuals.

2. Under the Infectious Diseases Act, measles vaccination is compulsory for children under the age of 12 residing in Singapore. The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) recommends MMR vaccination at 12 months (first dose) and 15 months (second dose). It is important that parents ensure that their young children receive two doses of the MMR vaccination on time. Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults without previous vaccination or evidence of past infection or immunity 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.