Victoria is currently facing its most severe measles outbreak in ten years, as the global situation continues to impact Australia.
On Monday, health officials in Victoria issued a warning, detailing various locations where exposure may have occurred, including Melbourne’s international airport, a Westfield shopping center, Coles, Aldi, and a pet shop.
“An increasing number of measles infections have been contracted locally in Victoria,” stated Tarun Weeramanthri, the state’s chief health officer.
“Currently, there is a heightened risk of measles in the greater Melbourne area and Mitchell Shire, with several public locations identified where exposure has occurred.
“There remains a continuing threat of measles being brought into Victoria by travelers coming from overseas or other states.”
This year, Victoria has reported 23 cases of measles, surpassing last year’s total.
This outbreak follows similar occurrences in New South Wales and Western Australia.
Recent months have seen outbreaks in regions such as southern and southeastern Asia, eastern Europe, and the United States, with cases numbering in the thousands.
Dr. Weeramanthri indicated that a person infected with measles who recently traveled from Pakistan arrived in Melbourne aboard an Emirates flight on April 24.
The Department of Health has also released a list of “exposure sites” around Kilmore, a town located about 60 kilometers north of Melbourne, along with a possible exposure period at Tullamarine Airport.
Individuals who were present at these locations should keep an eye out for symptoms for two weeks. For example, international arrivals at terminal 2 between 8:35 AM and 10:10 AM on April 20, and shoppers at ALDI Kilmore between 2 PM and 3 PM on April 21.
Additionally, exposure sites include the library, Coles, and Petstock in Kilmore on the afternoon of April 22.
The infected individual also visited the Kilmore District Hospital Urgent Care Centre between 3 PM and 4 PM on April 23.
Anyone who was on Vietnam Airlines flight VN781 from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne, landing on the morning of April 20, should monitor for symptoms as well.
People who visited the Fountain Gate Westfield on the afternoons of April 10 and April 12 should also be vigilant for symptoms.
Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, fatigue, and ultimately a red rash that typically begins on the face and spreads.
“Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can lead to serious, albeit rare, complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain,” Dr. Weeramanthri explained.
“Most of the recent cases involve individuals who have not received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.” This vaccination is available free of charge to all residents of Victoria.
