Singapore - Two transit passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight from Auckland were found to have developed measles symptoms before arriving in Singapore, health authorities confirmed Thursday, though officials said the risk of community transmission remains low.
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said both individuals were in transit through Changi Airport and did not enter Singapore proper. Contact tracing is underway for passengers and crew who may have been exposed during the flight.
Timeline and response
The two passengers, whose nationalities were not disclosed, developed symptoms consistent with measles - fever, rash, and respiratory issues - during or shortly after the flight. Singapore Airlines notified health authorities upon landing, and both individuals were isolated in accordance with infectious disease protocols.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
"The incubation period for measles is typically 10 to 14 days, so anyone who was on the flight or in proximity to the passengers should monitor for symptoms through mid-March," the CDA said in a statement.
Singapore's aviation hub role
Changi Airport serves as Southeast Asia's largest aviation hub, handling more than 58 million passengers annually pre-pandemic and recently surpassing 50 million again in 2025 as travel rebounds. The airport's role as a transit point for passengers traveling between Oceania, Asia, and Europe makes it a natural chokepoint for infectious disease surveillance.
Singapore has maintained robust measles vaccination coverage, with more than 95 percent of children receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The last significant measles outbreak in Singapore occurred in 2019, with 42 cases reported.
Health authorities are urging travelers - particularly those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status - to ensure they are up to date with MMR vaccinations before traveling. The CDA noted that measles outbreaks have been reported in several countries in recent months, including parts of Europe and North America, where vaccination rates have declined.
"If you were on the flight and develop symptoms - fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash - seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor of your travel history," the CDA advised.
Singapore Airlines said it is cooperating fully with health authorities and has enhanced cleaning protocols for the aircraft involved.
Ten countries, 700 million people, one region - and for Singapore, a reminder that its role as a global aviation hub requires constant vigilance against infectious diseases that can arrive on any flight.
