Rise in measles cases in Victoria triggers health alert

Victorians have been warned to be on alert after more cases of measles were reported in the state’s southeast. See the latest exposure sites.

Measles cases have risen across Victoria, prompting a renewed health alert.

There are currently seven active public exposure sites, with the latest case reported in southeast Melbourne.

Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong confirmed on Saturday that the recent case was active in the community during late December.

They attended multiple public locations in the Cranbourne area while contagious.

The Department of Health urged anyone who visited Bunnings Cranbourne between 7.20pm and 8.20pm on December 27 or Chemist Warehouse Cranbourne North between 11.30am and 12.40pm on December 28 to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.

The spike in exposure sites occurred after a recent increase in cases in returning travellers across Australia.

Measles cases have risen across Victoria, prompting a renewed health alert. Picture: Getty Images

Dr Wong warned Victorians who have travelled or plan to travel to southeast Asia to remain vigilant.

“Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in other countries in Asia,” she said.

“Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.

“Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.”

Other exposure sites in Victoria include:

• The Links Shopping Centre

• Friendly Grocer Bentleigh

• Pastry Supreme Bakehouse

• Vietnam Airlines Flight VN781 and Melbourne International Airport (Terminal 2)

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and generally feeling unwell.

The initial symptoms of the infectious disease may be similar to those of Covid-19 and influenza.

The Department of Health has advised symptomatic people who test negative for Covid-19 and influenza but develop a rash to continue isolating and test for measles.