• Singapore recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, all involving unvaccinated individuals, as global infections surpass pre-pandemic levels and imported cases pose ongoing risks.
• The Communicable Diseases Agency has stepped up isolation, quarantine, contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis, with enforcement measures in place to curb potential community transmission.
• Health authorities urge the public to ensure full MMR vaccination, especially before travel.

Singapore's health authorities are strengthening precautionary measures following a rise in measles cases locally, in line with a broader increase in infections reported around the world.

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) recorded 11 measles cases in January 2026, compared to two cases during the same period last year. All cases involved individuals who were not fully vaccinated, including three infants who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Amongst the 11 cases, one was a tourist and the others live in Singapore. Seven cases had travelled overseas recently.

Globally, measles cases have been trending upwards. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 11mn infections in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In the Western Pacific region — which includes East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and most of Southeast Asia — confirmed cases increased to 42,000 by late 2025, up from 8,000 the year before.

While Singapore achieved measles elimination status in 2018, authorities noted that imported cases remain a risk due to international travel. Laboratory testing also found three of the 11 cases to be genetically linked, despite no known contact between the individuals, suggesting possible limited community exposure. Investigations are ongoing.

Stepping up precautionary measures

As a precaution, CDA is stepping up various public health measures in light of the rise in measles cases both globally and domestically. These include the following: 

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 comp...