Health authorities in Australia have sounded the alarm after a traveller returning from Bali tested positive for measles, sparking concerns in communities south of Brisbane and reinforcing the urgent need for vaccination. The highly contagious viral illness, once considered largely under control in many developed countries, is making a troubling comeback in Australia with cases rising sharply in Queensland and Western Australia.

The alert follows an infected passenger’s arrival on Jetstar flight JQ60 into Brisbane on August 19, and subsequent visits to multiple public venues in Yamanto and Boonah while unknowingly infectious. While those locations are no longer considered a risk, people who were present during the identified times are being urged to monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days.

The infected individual landed at Brisbane Airport at 5:40 a.m. on August 19 before moving through the terminal until around 7:10 a.m. Later that day, they visited an Aldi supermarket in Yamanto, and in the following days, they attended a pharmacy and the Boonah Hospital emergency department.

Dr. Catherine Quagliotto, Public Health Physician at West Moreton Health, explained that while the virus does not remain in the environment long after an infected person has left, the exposure risk during the infectious window was significant. “Early signs can include fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed a few days later by a distinctive red, blotchy rash,” she said. Symptoms typically develop 7–10 days after exposure but can take as long as 18 days to appear.

Queensland Health has urged anyone who develops symptoms to stay home, seek testing, and contact their doctor or hospital ahead of arrival to avoid spreading the virus further.

Western Australia Also on Measles High Alert

The Brisbane case comes as Western Australia reports a worrying spike in measles. WA Health confirmed 13 cases in July and August 2025, including four linked to overseas travel and nine acquired locally. This represents a dramatic rise compared to just six cases across the entire state in 2024.

Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, emphasized that vaccination remains the cornerstone of protection. “Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious illness, particularly in babies and young children, and often requires hospitalisation and, in rare cases, blindness or even death,” he said.

The outbreak is closely tied to international travel. Popular holiday destinations such as Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia continue to report high numbers of measles cases, making travellers a key factor in reintroducing the virus to Australia.

Why Measles Is So Concerning?

Measles is far more than just a childhood illness. Caused by a virus that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, it is one of the most contagious diseases known. A single infected person can pass it on to up to 90% of unvaccinated people in close contact.

While most individuals recover within a week of developing the characteristic rash, measles can lead to severe complications. These include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), hearing loss, and in rare but devastating cases, death. Pregnant women, infants, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

How Recognize Symptoms of Measles?

Measles progresses in stages. The first signs usually resemble a common cold: fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by the hallmark red, blotchy rash that typically spreads from the face downward across the body.

Crucially, people are contagious even before the rash develops—about five to six days before symptoms appear and up to four days after. This makes containing outbreaks extremely challenging, particularly in busy international hubs like airports.

Vaccination Is The Best Defense And Prevention

Australia maintains one of the world’s strongest vaccination programs, with more than 93% of children over age five fully immunised against measles. The standard schedule includes two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, given at 12 months and 18 months of age.

However, gaps remain. Adults born after 1965 who missed doses, migrants from countries with weaker immunisation programs, and people who are immunocompromised represent at-risk groups. The Australian government continues to offer free catch-up vaccines for adults under 20 and for people arriving for humanitarian reasons.

“Adults aged between 30 to 60 years should get vaccinated if they do not have evidence of two doses of a measles vaccine,” Dr. Armstrong advised. He also noted that infants as young as six months can receive the vaccine early if traveling to high-risk areas.

Importantly, there is no booster requirement for those who have already had two doses, and people who have previously contracted measles are considered immune for life.

The resurgence of measles in Australia mirrors trends worldwide. After years of steady progress toward elimination, the World Health Organization has reported rising cases across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Pandemic-related disruptions to immunisation programs have left millions of children unprotected, fueling outbreaks in countries that had previously made strides against the disease.

Travel plays a key role in this resurgence. With international tourism rebounding strongly after COVID-19, Australians returning from popular destinations like Bali are now at increased risk of both contracting and importing measles.

Authorities in Queensland and WA are working swiftly to contain the spread. Public alerts about exposure sites, targeted communication campaigns, and free vaccine programs are all part of a coordinated response. Health professionals emphasize that personal responsibility—staying home when sick, seeking timely medical advice, and checking vaccination status—is equally critical.

Dr. Quagliotto put it simply: “Vaccination offers the best protection for both individuals and the community.”

What Should Travelers Be Cautious About?

If you’re planning travel to measles affected regions or even in general, consult your doctor about vaccination well in advance. Parents with young children should be aware that infants may need an accelerated vaccination schedule.

On return, any flu-like symptoms coupled with rash development should prompt immediate medical attention. Always call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility, and wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus.

The measles alert south of Brisbane is a reminder that even in countries with high vaccination rates, the virus can re-emerge through international travel. With Australia now reporting more cases in 2025 than in recent years combined, vigilance is essential.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to collaborate on advancing research in space medicine.

The MoU was signed between M Srinivas, Director (AIIMS), New Delhi and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO. The event brought together senior leadership from AIIMS and ISRO, including ISRO Chairman V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space, as well as Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and studies from AIIMS New Delhi.

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As per the news agency Asian News International (ANI), a press release of the collaboration noted for a cooperative framework for ground-based and space-based research in Space Medicine. The press release also noted that the research will cover areas like human physiology, cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity, microbiome and immunology, genomics and biomarkers and behavioral health.

“This MoU will give us the escape velocity to venture together into the field of space medicine. Collaborative research between AIIMS and ISRO will benefit patients, the nation, and ultimately humankind. As India moves toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, we hope to emerge as a Vishwaguru in space medicine as well,” said Prof M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Chairman of ISRO Dr V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space also highlighted India’s remarkable journey in space programme. He noted how India evolved from the time when rockets and equipment were transported on bicycles and bullock carts to today, where it is going to be leading medical and research institutions like AIIMS to strengthen India’s human spaceflight capabilities.

The programme also featured a presentation on AIIMS New Delhi’s ongoing work in space medicine research, delivered by Prof. KK Deepak, former Head of the Department of Physiology. The event was attended by Heads of Departments and faculty members from across AIIMS New Delhi, along with representatives from the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), the AIIMS Student Association (ASA), and the Society of Young Scientists (SYS).

The collaboration represents an important step toward enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and biomedical research. It also aligns with the country’s broader scientific ambitions as India moves toward its centenary in 2047 and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Read: Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years: Health Challenges She Faced After Spending 600+ Days in Space

What Do We Already Know About Space Medicine?

As per a 2017 study in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, space medicine is fundamental to the human exploration of space. It supports survival, function and performance in this challenging as potentially lethal environment. It is international, intercultural and interdisciplinary, operating at the boundaries of exploration, science, technology and medicine.

Space medicine specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding astronauts and other spaceflight participants. Known as “flight surgeons,” they help develop strategies to protect the health, safety, and performance of space travellers in the extreme conditions of space. Their responsibilities span every stage of a mission — from selection and training to in-flight care, post-mission rehabilitation, and monitoring long-term health effects.

With inputs from ANI

Sick days are again piling up with a respiratory disease, not COVID-19 or the flu. This disease is most likely the one Americans have not heard of. This is HMPV or human metapneumovirus. Doctors have asked people to stay vigilant as seasonal flu virus could lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, and it is spreading in California wastewater and around the country. However, as per public health officials, there is nothing to get worried at this point.

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As per the public database WasterwaterScan Dashboard, high levels of HMPV were detected across Northern California cities. The highest levels were reported in Redwood City, whereas elevated levels were found in San Francisco Bay Area and Napa's Wine Country. What's more dangerous is that this virus is without a vaccine.

The good news is that in other parts of country HMPV remains lower. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that data from October 2025 shows the cases are trending up, especially during winter and spring.

Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, as reported by The Independent said, "In the late winter, early spring, it can account for five percent to 10 percent of all the respiratory infections that we diagnose in the United States. So it's definitely out there." Experts explain that other viruses like HMPV or influenza get a chance when COVID is quieter.

Read: HMPV Virus Cases Surging In California, New Jersey: Is It Dangerous?

Virus Without A Vaccine: What Is HMPV?

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

In the US, HMPV circulates in predictable patterns each year, typically beginning in winter and lasting through spring.

The usually self-limiting and mild symptoms typically last 4 to 5 days. These include:

• cough
• fever
• nasal congestion
• shortness of breath

People at risk include:

• elderly people
• children
• people with comorbidities

"The HMPV is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or a severe transmission rate," former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, told IANS, during the virus's outbreak in India in 2025.

“The virus may cause pneumonitis-like illness, but the mortality rates are almost unknown so far. HMPV has a global prevalence of about 4 per cent,” he added.

While no vaccine or treatment can prevent HMPV infection, to avoid the infection, individuals must:

Practice good hygiene and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use your elbow, not your hands, for it. And wash your hands properly, especially in healthcare settings.

Why Are People Hearing About The Virus Without Vaccine Now?

The reason people have not heard about it before is because its symptoms are nearly indistinguishable from other respiratory infections, so often it could go undiagnosed. Furthermore, earlier the COVID cases and influenza cases sparked up, which deviated the attention from HMPV. Now, with the season gone, and increased awareness around respiratory illnesses, greater attention to viruses like HMPV is also paid.

One in seven Indians, or over 14 percent of the population, suffers from some form of mental health disorder. Amid an increasing treatment gap -- up to 90 percent -- seen in several states, especially in North India, the government today reiterated the plan of launching a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in the northern states.

NIMHANS-2 was first announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2026-27, to deliver specialized care for mental health and neurological disorders in north India.

Health experts and policymakers, as part of the government-led Post-Budget Webinar series, highlighted the growing burden of mental and neurological disorders in India and also stressed the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity to meet emerging healthcare demands.

"One in seven Indians is affected by mental health disorders, while several states continue to face a treatment gap ranging from 70 to 90 percent," the experts said.

Noting that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for over 60 percent of deaths in the country, they added that "neurological and mental health conditions are among the leading contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)," among the citizens.

Need For Tertiary Neuro-psychiatric Care

To address these, the experts called for ramping up tertiary mental health institutions and expanding specialized services.

The session, moderated by Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted that North India currently lacks adequate tertiary neuro-psychiatric care facilities. These include areas such as:

• advanced neuroimaging,
• neurocritical care,
• specialized neurological services

Further, making a virtual address at the Post-Budget Webinar, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening mental healthcare services in the country.

"NIMHANS-2 will be established in North India to expand advanced clinical care, training, and research," Nadda said.

"In addition, the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, and the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, will be upgraded as regional apex institutions to strengthen mental healthcare services in the eastern and north-eastern regions," he added.

Meanwhile, the experts also stressed the need to improve services in underserved and geographically remote regions, including the northeastern states, through better infrastructure, capacity building, and targeted deployment of trained mental health professionals.

They also discussed strategies for expanding advanced neuro-psychiatric care and reinforcing India’s overall mental healthcare ecosystem. They proposed:

• Adopting a hub-and-spoke model supported by digital health platforms

This would allow tertiary institutions and centers of excellence to provide technical guidance, specialist consultations, and clinical support to district hospitals and community-level health facilities.

"Such a model would strengthen referral pathways and ensure that specialized mental health services are accessible to people even in remote and rural areas," the experts said.

• Integrating services under Tele-MANAS

Both existing and upcoming campuses of NIMHANS must be integrated , as this will enable a robust nationwide tele-mental health network that ensures

• timely counselling,
• psychological support,
• specialist consultations

• Digital follow-up systems

The experts called for the seamless integration of healthcare facilities, aligned with the vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the ABHA ID ecosystem. This, they said, will

• enable continuity of care,
• Improve monitoring of patients,
• Lead to better clinical outcomes

• A national Brain-Mind Cloud Network

The Network proposed under the National Health Mission would connect premier institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), state medical colleges, and primary healthcare centers through a digitally integrated platform.

It could also facilitate

• unified mental health records,
• AI-based screening tools,
• data-driven clinical decision support systems,
• tele-neuro-psychiatric hubs at regional centers.