New cases of measles discovered in Melbourne as Sea Life Aquarium and other locations are named as exposure sites

Two more cases of measles have been identified in Melbourne as health officials rush to identify possible exposure sites.

A total of three cases of the highly contagious virus have been identified among returned overseas travelers across the state, while one case has also been reported in NSW.

On Saturday, Victoria’s Department of Health issued an alert detailing nine new exposure sites visited by confirmed measles cases while infectious.

The list (full list below) has now expanded to Costco Ringwood, DFO South Wharf, Docklands Park Playground and Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium.

People who visited these locations between January 22 and 23 at the designated times have been asked to be on the lookout for symptoms for 18 days after they may have been exposed.

Victoria’s acting chief health officer Christian McGrath asked anyone who develops symptoms, such as fever, fatigue and painful red eyes, to seek medical attention.

Patients usually develop a non-itchy rash that starts on their face and spreads across their body about 14 days after exposure.

“Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others,” Dr. McGrath said.

“Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, especially those who have been abroad or visited a listed exposure site for the specified period.”

People who think they may have measles are advised to self-isolate and immediately notify the Department of Health or the relevant local public health unit by calling 1300 651 160.

The highly contagious disease can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, ear infections and severe diarrhea.

3D objects of measles V viruses in abstract plasma with blood cells

Public exposure locations in Melbourne:

Bay City Auto Group (and associated construction site) – 140 Dandenong Rd West, Frankston, VIC 3199 – January 17 (6am to 3pm), January 18 (6am to 3pm), January 19 (6am to 3pm)

Box Hill Action Indoor Sports – 9 Clarice Road, Box Hill, VIC 3128 – January 17 (7:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Costco Ringwood – 29 Bond Street, Ringwood – Monday 22 January (5.30pm to 7.20pm)

DFO Zuidkade – shopping center and car park – 20 Convention Center Place, South Wharf – Tuesday 23 January (12:00 to 12:45)

Docklands Park Playground – 1-47 Harbor Esplanade – Tuesday, January 23 (12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

Collins Square Food Court – 727 Collins Street, Docklands – Tuesday 23 January (12.40pm to 1.40pm)

Tram 48 to North Balwyn from stop 1 Spencer St/Collins St to stop 5 – Elizabeth St/Collins St #5 – Tuesday 23 January (1.10pm to 1.40pm)

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 – Tuesday 23 January (1.40pm to 3.35pm)

Melbourne River Cruises 4pm departure – Berth 2, Federation Wharf, Princes Walk, Melbourne – Tuesday, January 23 (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM)

Tram 70 to Waterfront City Docklands – From stop 6 Russell Street/Flinders Street to stop D6-Victoria Police Centre/Flinders St – Tuesday 23 January (5:30pm to 6:00pm)

DFO Zuidkade – Car Park Only – 20 Convention Center Place, South Wharf – Tuesday 23 January (5.40pm to 6.20pm)