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Feb 23, 2026

Australian Authorities Trace Measles Case to Indonesian Flight, Urge Travellers to Check Vaccinations

Australian Authorities Trace Measles Case to Indonesian Flight, Urge Travellers to Check Vaccinations
Indonesia’s Health Ministry confirmed on 22 February that Australian officials issued an International Health Regulations notice after an 18-year-old woman tested positive for measles shortly after flying Batik Air from Jakarta to Perth on 7 February. The traveller had received two childhood MMR doses but still developed a rash within 24 hours of arrival.

Both countries are now cooperating on contact tracing. Western Australia’s Department of Health has alerted passengers seated in rows 20-26 of flight ID-6006 and is offering free post-exposure prophylaxis. So far no secondary cases have been identified.

Before departure, many travellers also lean on compliance services such as VisaHQ, which not only streamline visa applications but send automated health and vaccination reminders that align with each destination’s entry rules. Their Australia portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) lets employers upload itineraries, flag missing immunisations like the MMR, and generate auditable reports that strengthen duty-of-care programmes.

Australian Authorities Trace Measles Case to Indonesian Flight, Urge Travellers to Check Vaccinations


The incident highlights lingering vulnerability despite Australia’s measles-elimination status. National surveillance logged 269 confirmed infections in the first seven weeks of 2026—many linked to international arrivals from Southeast Asia where outbreaks persist.

For mobility managers the advice is clear: ensure outbound assignees and short-term travellers have up-to-date immunisation records. Under occupational-health rules several mining and energy companies already require contractors flying out of Perth to remote sites to show evidence of measles immunity.

Insurance providers warn that claims for medical evacuation due to vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise; corporate travel policies should be reviewed to cover quarantine costs if state health orders require isolation.
VisaHQ's expert visas and immigration team helps individuals and companies navigate global travel, work, and residency requirements. We handle document preparation, application filings, government agencies coordination, every aspect necessary to ensure fast, compliant, and stress-free approvals.
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