Health alert issued as six more measles cases identified

A NUMBER of locations in Melbourne’s north have been identified as potential sites of measles infection, believed to have been spread from a passenger on a flight from Malaysia.

SIX more cases of measles have been identified in connection to a passenger from Malaysia earlier this month.

The new cases include a baby too young to be immunised and five adults aged from 20 to 60 years old.

MEASLES ALERT FOR MELBOURNE’S SOUTH AND OUTER EAST

Locations visited by the newly identified cases include a number of shops in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

• Wednesday, March 14 — Woolworths, Kew, from 12pm to 2.30pm
• Sunday, March 18 — Danny’s Coin Laundry, High St Thornbury from 7pm to 8.30pm, Tahina Restaurant, High St Northcote, from 8pm until 9.30pm
• Monday, March 19, — La Trobe University, Bundoora campus from 12pm until 2pm, Amcal Pharmacy Echuca, from 1.30pm until 2.30pm.
• Tuesday, March 20 — Chemist Warehouse, Plenty Rd Bundoora, from 4pm until 5pm, Pharmasafe Chemist Plenty Rd Watsonia, from 4pm until 5pm.
• Wednesday, March 21 — Echuca College ‘Discovery night’ from 6pm to 7.30pm, IGA Watsonia, Watsonia Rd, from 2pm until 3pm
• Thursday, March 22 — Woolworths Echuca from 1pm to 2.30pm

Measles can be dangerous for the young and frail.

Anyone who visited those locations at the time and are developing symptoms are being told to visit their doctor or an emergency department, but to ring ahead so precautions to avoid infecting other patients can be taken.

None of the locations present a risk anymore and do not need to be avoided.

The Department of Health and Human Services believe all six individuals caught the disease while at the international baggage area at Melbourne airport between 9:30am and midday on Wednesday March 7.

A man in his 40s became unwell on the flight and went straight to hospital where he was diagnosed.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause serious illness, particularly in very young children and adults. People can develop pneumonia and other serious complications from the disease, and often need to be hospitalised.

Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk of contracting measles.

Dr Sutton said most cases of measles in Victoria were linked to international travel, with the disease more prevalent in many countries overseas.

For more information visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles