Measles, monkeypox warning issued for Australian travellers

Australian travellers have been issued a warning about bringing home a highly contagious disease from overseas.

Australian travellers have been issued a warning about the risk of contracting travel-related diseases – like measles and monkeypox (mpox) – overseas and then bringing it home.

The Victorian Health Department said ten measles cases had been reported in the state this year – five from returned overseas travellers and five linked to them.

The department also warned about a local outbreak of mpox, with cases acquired from overseas travel.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus which can be spread from person-to-person when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

It can potentially lead to serious health complications and death.

Mpox is an infectious disease that usually results in a mild illness, but some people may develop severe illness and require hospitalisation.

There has been a large international outbreak of mpox since May 2022 that is predominantly impacting men who have sex with men.

There has been 16 confirmed cases of mpox in Victoria since April 18 this year.

Victorian travellers have been issues are health warning before heading overseas. Picture: iStock

The Victorian Health Department is urging people to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date before heading overseas.

“It’s best to see your doctor six to eight weeks before you travel to ensure you have the best protection,” Victorian chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said in a statement.

“This includes anyone travelling to visit friends and family, or people travelling to their countries of birth.”

She said measles in people returning to Victoria from international travel was a significant source of Australian measles cases, and travellers should ensure they receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

There have been 39 cases of measles reported in Australia this year, with 16 in NSW, 10 in Victoria, and five each in Queensland and South Australia.

Travellers are urged to ensure they are vaccinated against the diseases. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

As for mpox, she said there had been an increase in cases at many popular travel destinations in the northern hemisphere and Aussies should take precautions to limit their risk of infection.

“Mpox infection remains a risk for Victorians travelling internationally, with case numbers in Victoria this year greater than the whole of last year,” Dr Looker said.

There have been 37 cases reported in Australia this year, with 22 of those in Victoria and 10 in Queensland.

She advised people planning travel to countries with active mpox outbreaks to receive two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart.

The mpox vaccine is free for those eligible, including all sexually-active gay and bisexual men.

She also drew attention to getting vaccines for other illnesses, including influenza and Covid-19, gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis A and typhoid.

“Being up to date with influenza and Covid-19 vaccination before travel is also important to protect yourself while travelling,” she said.

“Any returned traveller who develops illness after returning home, such as a fever, new rash or diarrhoea, should seek medical advice immediately.”