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SINGAPORE: Singapore has recorded its first case of measles involving a child attending preschool since the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) stepped up measures to better contain and manage measles infection.
The agency was notified of the case, involving an 11-month-old female infant, on Feb 17.
This is the fifth measles case involving an infant below 12 months of age in 2026, CDA said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The case attends a preschool in Singapore and was not yet due for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. She has no known recent travel or contact history and is recovering well.
“She was in school during her infectious period. Affected parents whose children had been in close contact with the case have been notified by the preschool. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing,” said the agency.
CDA added that among the identified close contacts, all except four were up to date with their measles vaccination or were in progress of getting vaccinated against measles, and no quarantine orders were issued to them.
The remaining four were issued quarantine orders. Upon receipt of vaccination or post-exposure prophylaxis, their quarantine orders were rescinded.
CDA said it has advised identified vaccinated close contacts to monitor their health and seek medical care if symptoms develop. Casual, non-close contacts will also be advised to check their vaccination status, monitor their health and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection, said CDA, adding that 87 per cent of local measles cases recorded this year occurred in individuals who were not fully vaccinated.
“The MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe, and confers long-term immunity after completion of the recommended doses. High vaccination coverage not only protects individuals but creates herd immunity within the Singapore population, that protects those who are unable to receive vaccination, such as infants under 12 months and severely immunocompromised individuals.”
