SINGAPORE– Two passengers on Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight SQ281 to Auckland (AKL) were infected with measles before transiting through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), according to the Communicable Diseases Agency.
The cases, identified after arrival in New Zealand, are not linked to any known measles infections in Singapore and did not overlap with an earlier transit case on a separate SIA flight, The Straits Times reported.
Singapore Airlines Passengers with Measles Case
The Communicable Diseases Agency said on Feb 27 that it was notified on Feb 25 about two measles cases detected in Auckland. The individuals had travelled on Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight SQ281 from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Auckland Airport (AKL).
Both passengers, from the same household, had originated in Hyderabad, India, and transited at Changi Airport for about two hours before boarding their onward flight to New Zealand.
CDA investigations found that the pair remained within the transit area during their time in Singapore. Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of CDA’s Communicable Diseases Programmes, said symptom onset occurred only while they were onboard the flight to Auckland.
Based on the timing of symptoms, authorities concluded that the infections were acquired before their arrival in Singapore. The cases are not linked to any other known measles infections in Singapore.
Contact Tracing Efforts in New Zealand
New Zealand media reported that the two cases were identified after landing in Auckland on Feb 17. The country’s public health authority began contact tracing for passengers seated in rows 31 to 46 on flight SQ281.
Authorities also advised visitors who were at the Waitakere Hospital Emergency Department waiting room on Feb 21 to monitor for symptoms.
The situation prompted public health alerts, though there is no indication of transmission within Singapore’s airport transit zone.
No Overlap With Earlier Transit Case
CDA confirmed that the transit period of the two passengers did not overlap with a separate measles case involving another traveller who passed through Singapore earlier in February.
That individual had travelled on Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight SQ38, transiting at Changi Airport (SIN) for about two and a half hours before continuing to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where he arrived on Feb 9 after departing from Cambodia.
Authorities have not identified any epidemiological link between the two incidents.
Measles Precautions for Air Travellers
CDA advised that full vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, particularly for travellers and air crew.
Passengers are encouraged to practise good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and avoiding close contact with individuals who are unwell.
Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, or red and watery eyes should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform healthcare providers about recent travel history and potential exposure.
Singapore Airlines stated that it is working closely with relevant authorities but declined to provide further details, citing customer confidentiality.
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