PRESS RELEASE NO. 108/25
Date: 09/12/25
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) wishes to inform the public that in view of the evolving measles situation in New Zealand and Australia there is a risk of measles importation through travel and that members of the public are requested to the necessary precautions.
In New Zealand, 21 measles cases have been reported nationally as of 21 November, with 18 cases no longer infectious. In Australia, a total of 162 measles cases has been reported through the Australian National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System throughout the year with the most recent cases reported on 23 November. Both Australia and New Zealand health authorities continue to monitor people with symptoms and implement the necessary responses.
Fiji Situation
Measles can spread very quickly, especially in communities where some people are not vaccinated. To stop a single imported case from turning into a large outbreak, we must maintain high vaccination coverage, strong disease monitoring, and fast response actions.
Like many countries around the world, Fiji remains at risk of measles if our vaccination rates fall below 95%. Recent outbreaks in other countries show that measles can return even after many years without cases.
The Ministry of Health reminds everyone that measles is extremely contagious and can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. The MMR vaccine is the best protection, as it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Please make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated.
Measles information
Transmission
Measles is a highly infectious airborne viral disease that spreads easily through the air through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. You are at risk of getting measles if you breathe the same air as someone with the disease and you are not immune. You are not immune if you have not been vaccinated, or you have never had the disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of measles are:
Fever and a rash with any of the following: runny nose, sneezing, cough, red/watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth. The rash starts after the other symptoms and spreads all over the body.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for measles, as it is your body’s immune system that fights off the disease. Most people recover from a measles infection in 8-10 days with rest, and ensuring that they are eating and drinking to avoid dehydration.
Complications
Some people infected with measles develop severe complications such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or encephalitis (brain swelling). These people require hospitalization. Children under the age of five (5), babies younger than one (1) year old, pregnant women, adults over the age of twenty (20), and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of complications.
Prevention
A safe and effective vaccine exists for measles. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services provides measles vaccine free to children. Since 2003, all children in Fiji are offered two (2) doses of the combination measles-rubella vaccine – starting from twelve (12) months of age. Fiji’s immunization coverage for children is good, and the Ministry also conducted a supplemental campaign in 2017 for all one (1) to ten (10) year olds. Please ensure your children have received at least two (2) doses of the measles vaccine according to the Fiji immunization schedule. This information should be in your child’s ‘Fiji Child Health Record’ (which is a booklet/card every child born in Fiji is provided) for children under the age of 5, and the school health card for school aged children.
Measles in Fiji
Because we have an effective immunization program, measles is rare in Fiji. However, outbreaks around the world, including in neighbouring countries, still put Fiji at risk of measles cases.
How to protect yourself:
- Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
- It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
- Measles can affect anyone, but unvaccinated children are most at risk.
- Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus.
- Check your vaccination status, ensure you and your children have received two doses of the measles and rubella vaccine. Visit the nearest health centre and talk to your doctor for more information.
ENDS.