Measles outbreak: Three new cases confirmed in Victoria

Visitors to one of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres have been warned to check themselves for symptoms of measles after three new cases of the virus in Victoria were confirmed. Those infected also spent time on Phillip Island, authorities say.

Eastland's Town Square in Ringwood. Picture: Supplied.

Eastland shoppers have been urged to check for symptoms of measles after three new cases of the virus were confirmed.

Victoria’s chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said the measles cases were found in Victorians who returned from travel in Asia.

They include a man in his 20s who visited the Philippines, a woman in her 40s who visited Singapore and Thailand, and a nine-month-old boy who also visited Thailand.

Dr Sutton said two of the affected people visited public places while they were infectious.

They include three-and-a-half days at Eastland in Ringwood from July 23-26, along with a conference at the Philip Island Adventure Resort and a visit to Italian restaurant Pina Troterria in Cowes from July 27 to 28.

A person infected with measles visited Eastland four times last week. Picture: Stuart Milligan

One or more of the affected people travelled on Cebu Pacific Flight 5J49 from Manila to Melbourne on July 20.

Dr Sutton said there could be an onset of measles symptoms in people who were in the locations at the same times up to August 15.

Symptoms can include a fever, severe cough and conjunctivitis followed by a rash starting on the face.

Measles can break into a red, spotty rash. Picture: Supplied

He said people born during or after 1966 or as young as six months old could get a free measles vaccine from their doctor.

“There are a large number of ongoing international measles outbreaks in Asia, Europe and America,” he said.

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“People who are planning overseas travel should ensure they have received vaccinations appropriate to travel, including an MMR vaccine if they do not have a history of two previous MMR vaccinations.”

Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth urged shoppers who could have been exposed to the virus to be aware of the facts surrounding measles and see their doctor if symptoms develop.

“The safety and wellbeing of our Eastland community is our top priority and something we take very seriously, and we are working with the Department of Health and Human Services and following their recommendations in the management of this matter,” Mr Balmforth said.

There have been 29 cases of measles confirmed in Victoria this year.

Anyone with suspected measles symptoms is urged to immediately phone the Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 651 160.

Known public places and times for recent Victorian measles cases:

— Saturday, July 20, Cebu Pacific flight 5J49, Manila to Melbourne

— Tuesday, July 23 and 24 — Eastland Shopping Centre, 9am-6pm

— Thursday, July 25 — Eastland Shopping Centre, 9am-9pm

— Friday, July 26 — Eastland Shopping Centre, 9pm-2pm

— Saturday, July 27, Phillip Island Adventure Resort, 9pm-7pm

— Saturday, July 27 — Pino’s Trattoria, Cowes — 5pm-7pm

— Sunday, July 28, Phillip Island Adventure Resort, 9am-1pm

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