Debated in Parliament on 26 Feb 2026.
Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry's latest assessment of the rise in measles cases in Singapore, including possible undetected local transmission; and (b) what additional measures are being taken to protect vulnerable groups, such as infants too young, for vaccination from the serious health complications posed by measles.
The Member may refer to the replies to oral Parliamentary Question No 17 for the Sitting on 24 February 2026 and written Parliamentary Question No 11 for the Sitting on 26 February 2026. [Please refer to "Data on Measles Cases by Residency Status and Sufficiency of Local Herd Immunity", Official Report, 24 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 18, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Maintaining High Measles Vaccination Coverage Through Enhanced Vaccination Programmes", Official Report, 26 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 20, Written Answers to Questions section.]
The recent increase in measles cases in Singapore is largely driven by a global resurgence of measles. Singapore remains vulnerable to imported cases and small clusters due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals and high travel volumes from measles outbreak areas. Nonetheless, there is currently no evidence of sustained community transmission of measles.
To protect vulnerable groups, particularly infants under 12 months who are not yet due for vaccination, we rely on maintaining high population immunity. We continue to maintain robust surveillance systems to detect and respond to cases and monitor vaccination coverage closely to maintain high immunisation rates.
PAPERCUTS