# Measles outbreaks in Australia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/measles-outbreaks-in-australia
> Updated: 2026-09-27T07:45:57.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Health authorities in Australia have issued alerts following measles exposures in New South Wales and South Australia. In New South Wales, a confirmed case involving an individual returning from Southeast Asia led to exposure alerts at several locations, including schools, libraries, and hospitals in the Byron Shire and surrounding areas.

In South Australia, the situation escalated as the state recorded nine cases, marking its highest number in a decade. The outbreak includes a cluster linked to Brighton Secondary College in Adelaide. Officials identified 24 exposure sites and expressed concern regarding potential transmission to vulnerable patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier warned that the disease is highly infectious and can cause serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis. While South Australia maintains a childhood vaccination rate of 93.3 per cent, officials noted that declining national rates and overseas travel contribute to transmission risks.

## Claims

- Pennsylvania has recorded 903 measles cases across 39 counties so far this year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- At least 176 people have been hospitalized due to measles in Pennsylvania. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Four measles-associated deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Fewer than 1% of confirmed measles patients in Pennsylvania were fully vaccinated. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Lancaster County has recorded the highest number of measles cases in the state. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Measles cases in the United States have surpassed 3,600 in 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Pennsylvania measles cases surpass 900 as outbreak spreads

Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has surpassed 900 cases across 39 counties, resulting in 176 hospitalizations and four deaths. Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-australia-reports-highest-measles-cases-in-10-years

### 2026-09-23: Australia issues measles exposure alerts in NSW and SA

Health authorities in Australia have issued measles exposure alerts in New South Wales and South Australia following confirmed cases in both regions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-issues-measles-exposure-alerts-in-nsw-and-sa

---
Cite as: Measles outbreaks in Australia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/measles-outbreaks-in-australia