Urgent health alert after confirmed case of highly infectious disease is detected in Aussie state – read the full list of new exposure sites
Health authorities are doing their utmost to contain a measles outbreak in Victoria.
The Victorian Department of Health has issued a renewed health alert following an alarming rise in cases.
There are currently seven active public exposure sites, with the latest case reported in Melbourne’s south-east.
Acting Chief Health Officer Dr. Evelyn Wong said Saturday that the most recent case was active in the community in late December.
The infected person attended multiple public venues in the Cranbourne area, 43km south-east of Melbourne’s CBB, while infectious.
“This case occurred in two public places in Cranbourne in Melbourne’s south-east on December 27 and 28, 2024, while contagious,” Dr Wong said.
“This is in addition to other recent measles cases that have created a number of exposure sites in Melbourne in December.”
Anyone who visited Bunnings Cranbourne between 7.20pm and 8.20pm on December 27 or the Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North on December 28 between 11.30am and 12.40pm is urged to monitor for symptoms.
The Victorian Department of Health has issued a renewed health warning after an alarming rise in measles cases (stock image)
The jump in the number of exposure locations follows a recent increase in measles cases among returning travelers across Australia.
Dr. Wong warned Victorians who have returned from South East Asia or are planning to travel to South East Asia to remain vigilant.
“Any travel abroad can lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in other countries in Asia,” she said.
‘Anyone planning a trip abroad should ensure that they have received the appropriate travel vaccinations.
‘Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site (listed below) during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms develop up to 18 days after exposure.’
Symptoms of measles include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore or red eyes and a general feeling of being unwell.
This is followed by a red maculopapular rash that usually starts on the face before spreading throughout the body.
The Victorian Department of Health advises that symptoms can develop between seven to 18 days after exposure.
Symptoms of measles include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore or red eyes and a general feeling of being unwell. This is followed by a red maculopapular rash (stock image)
The first symptoms of measles can be similar to those of Covid-19 and flu.
“If a symptomatic individual tests negative for Covid-19 and/or influenza but develops a rash, he or she should be advised to continue to isolate and be tested for measles,” the department said in a recent update.
People are potentially contagious from 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after the rash appears.
The virus can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nasal or throat secretions and contaminated surfaces and objects, which can take up to two hours.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe and the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the US.