Singapore's CDA to roll out enhanced precautionary measures against measles from 1 April 2026

Individuals who work or study in high-risk settings may be placed on leave of absence from childcare centres or redeployed to non-patient-facing roles in healthcare facilities for up to 21 days from their last exposure.

Singapore will introduce enhanced precautionary measures against measles from 1 April 2026, which will be the new baseline, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Tuesday (31 March 2026). 

The move follows the detection of three genetically linked measles cases in January 2026 with no epidemiological connections, and 12 new cases reported between 1 February and 24 March 2026. All 12 cases involved people living in Singapore; of which six had recently travelled overseas. Of the group, 11 were not fully vaccinated, including two infants under 12 months who were not yet eligible for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

CDA said there is no evidence of wider community transmission, but warned that Singapore remains at risk of imported infections due to high measles rates overseas. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

Keeping the above in mind, from 1 April, CDA will retain most of the measures stepped up in February 2026, while adjusting them for long-term implementation. Key measures include:

• Mandatory testing of all suspected measles cases: For those who work or study in high‑risk settings, such as childcare centres with infants under 12 months or healthcare facilities with medically vulnerable individuals, return to school or work will not be allowed until they test negative for measles.
• Mandatory isolation of all laboratory-confirmed cases until they are no longer infectious: Non-hospitalised cases will be isolated at home, with random checks to ensure compliance.
• Ongoing contact tracing for all infected cases: All contacts, including casual contacts, will be advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if unwell.
• No quarantine for susceptible close contacts (those unvaccinated or without evidence of immunity) from 1 April: Instead, they will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce infection risk and prevent further transmission.
  

CDA said individuals who work or study in high-risk settings may be placed on leave of absence from childcare centres or redeployed to non-patient-facing roles in healthcare facilities for up to 21 days from their last exposure.

The agency also noted that the risk of large community outbreaks remains low due to high vaccination coverage and herd immunity but noted that small clusters with limited spread may occur given the global rise in measles cases. The agency will continue to monitor the situation and adjust measures as needed.

Reiterating that vaccination is key to preventing measles, CDA said the disease is highly transmissible among unvaccinated individuals, with the infectious period typically starting up to four days before and after a rash appears. The MMR vaccine, it added, is "highly effective and safe", providing long-term immunity after the recommended doses and helping to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under 12 months and severely immunocompromised individuals.

Measles vaccination is compulsory under the Infectious Diseases Act for children under 12 residing in Singapore. Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), MMR doses are recommended at 12 months and 15 months. Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults without previous vaccination or evidence of past infection or immunity should receive two MMR doses. Adults unsure of their vaccination status are advised to consult a healthcare provider.

CDA highlighted that MMR vaccination is available at polyclinics, GP clinics and private paediatric clinics. Eligible Singapore citizens receive subsidies at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics, while eligible permanent residents are subsidised at polyclinics. MediSave can also be used at MediSave-accredited clinics, including CHAS GP clinics and private paediatric clinics.

CDA also advised the public to remain vigilant by ensuring full measles vaccination (especially before travel), practising good personal and respiratory hygiene, avoiding close contact with unwell individuals, wearing a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms, and staying home and seeking medical attention if unwell, while informing doctors of any recent travel or exposure to sick contacts.