Government warning after two new measles cases detected in Melbourne
Health authorities have issued a warning for a highly infectious viral illness after two new measles cases were detected in two major Aussie cities.
Conditions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Conditions. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victoria’s chief health officer has warned the measles virus is active in the community, with two new cases detected in Melbourne.
The two new infections bring the state’s total cases to eight in 2025.
Significantly, the two people infected with measles had not travelled overseas or been in contact with other known cases.
“This means there is now local transmission of measles in the community,” chief health officer Dr Weeramanthri said in a statement on Thursday.
Dr Weeramanthri said the cases were infectious at multiple locations in Greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne between February 19 and 26, starting at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong.
This was followed by multiple locations in Bendigo, as well as Keilor East Swimming Pool and Chemist Warehouse in Airport West.
A full list of exposure sites is available on the health department’s website.
Anyone who attended the locations at the same time is advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.
“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis),” she said.
“A number of populations in Victoria are susceptible to measles, including anyone who is unvaccinated, infants under 12 months of age, immunocompromised people and adults who were born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two MMR vaccines in childhood.”
Dr Weeramanthri said overseas travel could also lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in multiple areas, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the USA.
“Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash,” Dr Weeramanthri said.
“The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.”
Measles symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure, and may be similar to Covid-19 and flu symptoms, Dr Weeramanthri warned.
“If a symptomatic person tests negative for Covid-19 or influenza but develops a rash, they should be advised to continue isolating and be tested for measles,” she said.
Originally published as Government warning after two new measles cases detected in Melbourne
VAD gave my husband peace. It can do the same for you
A widow has recalled the way her husband took control of his death through voluntary assisted dying that allowed him to “peacefully” slip away in his own bed surrounded by family. WATCH THE VIDEO
It started as a small spot on my nose – then I realised I had mpox
Tom Winch’s experience with mpox, previously known as monkeypox, started with a single blemish on his nose. He’s sharing his story to raise awareness.