Victoria has recorded two new measles cases in returned overseas travellers. This is in addition to the case in a returned traveller alerted earlier this week.
These cases were infectious at a number of public premises between 17 and 24 January 2024.
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads quickly with close contact, especially in those who are not fully vaccinated. Young children and adults with weakened immune systems are the most at risk of serious illness.
Overseas travel remains a significant risk factor for anyone not fully vaccinated and vulnerable to the disease, with the current cases having returned from travel to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka.
As a result of these cases there are multiple local public exposure sites that have been identified, with those who attended these sites urged to seek medical care if they develop symptoms, and to wear a mask and call ahead to ensure they can be isolated from others.
| Date | Time | Location | Monitor for onset of symptoms up to |
| Wednesday, 17 January 2024 | 6:00am - 3:00pm | Bay City Auto Group (and associated construction site) 140 Dandenong Road West, Frankston, VIC 3199 |
Sunday, 4 February 2024 |
| Wednesday, 17 January 2024 | 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Box Hill Action Indoor Sports 9 Clarice Road, Box Hill, VIC 3128 |
Sunday, 4 February 2024 |
| Thursday, 18 January 2024 | 6:00am - 3:00pm | Bay City Auto Group (and associated construction site) 140 Dandenong Road West, Frankston, VIC 3199 |
Monday, 5 February 2024 |
| Friday, 19 January 2024 | 6:00am - 3:00pm | Bay City Auto Group (and associated construction site) 140 Dandenong Road West, Frankston, VIC 3199 |
Tuesday, 6 February 2024 |
| Monday, 22 January 2022 | 5:30pm - 7:20pm | Costco Ringwood 29 Bond Street, Ringwood VIC 3134 |
Friday, 9 February 2024 |
| Tuesday, 23 January | 12pm - 12:45pm | DFO South Wharf - shopping centre and carpark 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006 |
Saturday, 10 February 2024 |
| 12:15pm - 2:30pm | Docklands Park Playground 1-47 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands VIC 3008 |
Saturday, 10 February 2024 | |
| 12:40pm - 1:40pm | Collins Square Food Court 727 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008 |
Saturday 10 Feb 2024 | |
| 1:10pm - 1:40pm | Tram 48 to North Balwyn from Stop 1 Spencer St/Collins St to Stop 5 Elizabeth St/Collins St #5 | Saturday, 10 February 2024 | |
| 1:40pm - 3:35pm | Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
Saturday, 10 February 2024 | |
| 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Melbourne River Cruises 4pm departure Berth 2, Federation Wharf, Princes Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
Saturday, 10 February 2024 | |
| 5:30pm - 6:00pm | Tram 70 to Waterfront City Docklands. From Stop 6 Russell Street/Flinders Street to Stop D6-Victoria Police Centre/Flinders St | Saturday, 10 February 2024 | |
| 5:40pm - 6:20pm | DFO South Wharf - carpark only 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006 |
Saturday, 10 February 2024 |
The illness usually begins with common cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed by fever and a rash. The characteristic rash usually begins 3-4 days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.
"People can be administered MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to Measles to prevent infection. Failing that, we recommend that people monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if any symptoms develop," Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath said.
Recent previous cases of measles have been identified in people who are not fully immunised against measles and who have travelled overseas or been in contact with returned overseas travelers. Measles is rare in Australia, thanks to widespread vaccination rates.
"Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles at the current time," Dr McGrath said.
"Measles outbreaks have recently been reported across the Globe and anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received appropriate vaccinations, including an MMR vaccine if they don't have a history of two previous MMR vaccinations," Dr McGrath added.
Additional information is also available on Better Health ChannelExternal Link.
