Victoria Health warns of new measles case from returned traveller who visited Pakistan

A returned traveller who visited Pakistan has tested positive for a dangerous and contagious virus, sparking a fresh health warning.

The dangerous measles virus is continuing to spread in Victoria, with a returned traveller who visited Pakistan the latest case to spark an urgent warning from Victoria Health.

In an alert issued on Tuesday, the department lists the Frankston Hospital emergency department waiting room on May 10 from 2.55pm to 3.55pm as the state’s latest exposure site, along with the Frankston Medicare urgent care clinic on May 8 from 9.50am to 10.25am.

The Monash University Peninsula Campus at Frankston is also listed for May 5 from 12pm to 2pm.

“There is currently an increased risk of measles in greater Melbourne, with a number of public exposure sites identified,” the department’s alert states.

“A significant number of recent measles cases have acquired their infection locally in Victoria.

“There is also an ongoing risk of measles being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from overseas or interstate.”

Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes rash and fever.

The measles virus can cause serious health complications. Picture: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

It can also cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Young infants and pregnant women are vulnerable to suffering serious complications if they contract the virus, the department warned.

The disease, which can be avoided with a vaccine, is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash.

The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body and symptoms can develop between seven to 18 days after exposure.

People with measles are potentially infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until four days after the rash appears.

Global case numbers are also rising, potentially exposing Australian travellers to the virus, the department said.

“There are currently outbreaks reported in multiple countries and regions, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and North America,” the alert states.

A full exposure site list has been posted to the health department’s website.

A typical measles rash. Picture: Victoria Department of Health

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others,” the department states.

“Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time or spent time in greater Melbourne from late April should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.

“Anyone who attended a listed exposure site and is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours of exposure.

“Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles should seek medical review if within six days of exposure to a measles case.

“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care and testing for measles.

“Call the health service beforehand to advise that you may have been exposed to measles and wear a face mask.”

Originally published as Victoria Health warns of new measles case from returned traveller who visited Pakistan