Fiji’s Ministry of Health is on high alert as measles outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand spark concerns for travellers and returning residents.
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad took to social media platform X, urging the public to take precautions, stating, “The Ministry of Health is monitoring measles cases in Australia and New Zealand. Travellers should take precautions and seek medical help if symptoms appear.”
Measles cases have surged globally in recent months, with outbreaks reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. In Australia, cases have risen in several states, with Victoria identifying 16 cases among residents this year. Queensland authorities recently issued a public health alert after two cases in returning travellers, urging clinicians to remain vigilant for symptoms and ensure timely isolation and notification of suspected cases.
While Australia was declared measles-free in 2014, outbreaks continue to occur when unvaccinated travellers bring the virus into the country. The disease is so infectious that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it may become ill.
The Ministry is actively tracking measles through its Early Warning Alert and Response Surveillance system and the Hospital-Based Active Surveillance Acute Fever and Rash system.
Officials report that Fiji’s immunisation programme, established in 2003, has successfully provided 95.2% coverage for children, with two doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine offered at age one and upon entering primary school.
Despite this high coverage, health authorities stress the ongoing risk of travel-related infections, particularly for those visiting regions with active outbreaks.
Travellers are advised to use protective measures such as face masks and hand sanitiser and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms after returning.
Measles, an airborne viral disease, is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Symptoms typically begin with fever, runny nose, cough, and red, sore eyes, followed by a widespread rash. Children under five, infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
