More Victorians reporting measles infection after heading overseas

If you are heading overseas experts say this is one vaccine you seriously need to consider updating before you leave.

Victorians heading overseas are being urged to get vaccinated against the measles after two more cases of the highly infectious illness were reported in Victoria.

The new cases have been linked to travel in Vietnam, but the Victorian Government alert says people travelling to all parts of South East Asia should consider getting the free vaccine before they leave.

There is a large outbreak of measles in Vietnam, but increased cases have also been reported in India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the US.

Only two weeks ago Victoria’s acting chief health officer Dr Evelyn Wong reported a rise in measles infections across southeast Melbourne,

Now the Victorian Giovernment has moved to urge travellers to make sure they are up to date with their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) jab.

The unique measles rash usually begins three to four days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body. Picture: file image

Travellers are advised to talk to their GP if unsure if they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Doctors are also advised to vaccinate anyone who is unsure of their vaccination history.

Eligible infants can also have the vaccine for free from six months of age.

“The last thing anyone wants when travelling overseas is to put their child at risk from a lethal disease – vaccination against measles is safe, effective, and free,” Victoria’s chief health officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri said.

Victorian travellers are being urged to have the measles vaccine to protect them from the highly infectious illness. Picture: iStock

“Anyone planning to travel overseas to a country where measles is present who hasn’t received the vaccine before should speak to their GP or immunisation provider ideally at least six to eight weeks before they depart to allow time for a full course of measles vaccine.”

Measles usually begins with common cold-like symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, followed by a rash. The rash usually begins three to four days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.

For more information visit: the Department of Health website.

Originally published as More Victorians reporting measles infection after heading overseas