Measles: a word many of us hope will remain only in the pages of history books.
Thanks to strict vaccination programmes over many decades and the tireless work of health professionals, this illness should be eradicated for good by now, right?
After all, it’s been years since measles has made any headlines in Singapore.
But recently, there’s been some concern among the medical community: could measles be making a comeback?
Here’s what you need to know as Singaporean citizens, especially as parents.
Is Measles Making a Comeback?
In case anyone needed a quick history lesson, Singapore already eliminated measles from the country way back in 2018.
But it seems that the virus is not content to go quietly into the night.
The Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 14 cases so far this year as of July 12, 2025.
While these numbers do not yet qualify as an outright outbreak, they are still concerning enough that we need to start being more vigilant. After all, we do not want a rehash of the measles saga on our shores again.
As parents, it is understandable to be worried.
Everyone needs to do their part to keep this highly infectious disease from regaining a foothold in the country.
The U.S., for instance, has already experienced over 1000 cases so far, the highest they’ve been in the last five years.
Before that, here’s a little refresher to remind you just how bad measles is.
How Bad Is Measles Really?
Measles is more than just a childhood rash.
It’s a serious viral illness that spreads through the air and can linger in the environment for hours.
A single infected person can pass it to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people they come into contact with – that’s how contagious it is.
While most people can recover without complications, measles can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
As a parent, it’s easy to assume everything is fine if your child’s last fever turned out to be ‘just a virus’. But measles is definitely not just ‘another virus’; it is a silent predator.
Most cases of measles go undetected at first, especially if symptoms are mistaken for a regular flu—think fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes.
By the time the rash appears, the virus may have already spread to others.
That’s why keeping up with vaccinations is so crucial—not just for our own kids, but for the broader community too.
Don’t Skimp on the Vaccines
The good news? Measles is highly preventable.
Modern medicine has given us the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine which is incredibly effective against the virus and is part of Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Two doses are recommended—one at 12 months and another at 15 to 18 months.
But here’s the catch: vaccine coverage has dipped slightly in recent years.
Whether due to missed appointments, COVID-era disruptions, or hesitancy, more children are falling through the cracks in this immunisation protocol.
This means the ‘herd immunity’ that we’ve been enjoying for the past few years may not be as reliable anymore.
The government urges parents to keep up to date with their children’s vaccinations – even if they think that it’s no longer necessary.
Keeping the Virus at Bay
Aside from complacency, doctors also blame tourism for the sudden rise in measles in the country again.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in other countries, and unvaccinated individuals are more vulnerable when exposed abroad.
Bringing home souvenirs is one thing – bringing home a virus is quite another. Even going to places as nearby as Malaysia or Vietnam can bring home the virus.
Just because Singapore has eradicated measles, the same cannot be said for our neighbours.
Malaysia, for instance, reported around 156 confirmed cases in the first three months of 2025 alone.
Thailand boasts a total of 1,110 cases, with Vietnam putting that number to shame with a staggering 40,000 suspected cases and five deaths as of mid-March.
If you plan to travel with your family, it’s especially important to be aware when visiting these places and beyond.
So, what can we do?
First, it’s worth digging out your child’s health booklet or checking with your GP to confirm they’ve had both MMR doses.
For adults, especially those born before 1975 or who aren’t sure of their vaccination history, a booster may be a good idea.
Pregnant women and babies under 12 months can’t be vaccinated, so the responsibility falls on the rest of us to keep the virus at bay.
Let’s Crush Measles Together
At the moment, there’s no reason to panic. Singapore’s healthcare system is on high alert, and the number of cases remains low.
But as with many public health concerns, prevention is better than cure.
Measles doesn’t need a grand invitation to return. It just needs a few gaps in our collective defences to worm its way back into our lives.
It’s also a good time to have open, non-judgemental conversations with other parents.
Vaccine hesitancy can come from fear, confusion, or misinformation. Encouraging others to check in with their doctors and make informed decisions helps everyone.
Let’s not give measles the time of day. Healthcare professionals have spent decades keeping the virus at bay; let’s make sure it stays out of the country. For good this time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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