Singapore's enhanced measures to contain the risk of measles infections

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) stepped up precautionary measures against measles on Feb 6 to prevent community transmission of the virus.

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

The Straits Times looks at the measles situation in Singapore and the measures aimed at tackling the increase in cases.

Q What is the situation in Singapore?

A Singapore recorded 11 measles cases within the first month of 2026, the same number as for the whole of 2024. It is a jump from the two cases in January 2025.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said 99 per cent of adults in Singapore have immunity against measles.

However, the risk of imported cases continues to be a concern, given Singapore’s travel hub status, where both foreigners entering the country and returning residents who were not fully vaccinated could bring in the virus.

Q If we have herd immunity, why should we still be worried about cases?

A Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said there are still some people vulnerable to measles infection, such as those who are immunocompromised.

Infants below 12 months old are also vulnerable, and this is the group which Mr Ong said the authorities are “especially worried about” as they cannot be vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine yet. If infected, they may face serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, the inflammation of the brain.

Q Who needs to take the MMR vaccine?