Australia is experiencing a slight upswing in measles cases for this time of year, prompting specialists to urge GPs to ensure travellers are up-to-date with vaccinations.

Public health physician Dr Frank Beard, from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) in Sydney, says there has been a few more cases than usual.

But the higher number of cases generally seen in January reflects the large number of Australians using the holiday season to travel overseas, often to places where endemic measles has not yet been eradicated, he says.

“Essentially there may be an increase recently over the last month or so, but we need to maintain an ongoing vigilance. This cluster of cases recently reminds us this is an ongoing risk,” Dr Beard tells Australian Doctor.