Hong Kong residents planning trips to areas affected by measles should check conditions at their destination and make sure they have received two vaccine doses, the Centre for Health Protection says.
The warning comes as outbreaks continue in several places. The United States had recorded more than 4,800 cases in 2026, more than twice its total for 2025. Outbreaks were also reported in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Laos and the Philippines.
Hong Kong had recorded nine cases so far in 2026: six imported cases involving Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam, and three local cases. Centre director Dr Edwin Tsui said the risk of a large-scale local outbreak was relatively low, but frequent international travel left the city exposed to imported cases.
For travel to areas where measles is prevalent, people who have not had measles and have never received two vaccine doses, or are unsure whether they have, should consult a doctor about vaccination at least two weeks before departure, the Centre advises.
The Centre says people without measles immunity who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or under one year old should not travel to outbreak areas. Students already in affected countries who are unsure whether they have completed two doses should arrange vaccination as soon as possible.
With overseas winter holidays approaching and students expected to return to Hong Kong, the Centre advises anyone who feels unwell to seek medical care promptly and tell healthcare staff about their symptoms and travel history before the visit.