Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong has advised that a new measles case has been reported in Victoria, in an infant who acquired their infection overseas.
There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas.
New public exposure sites have been listed: New measles case in Victoria | health.vic.gov.au
Dr Wong advised that there is an ongoing risk of measles being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from overseas or interstate, with significantly more cases than usual in Victoria this year, including a considerable number that have acquired their infection locally in Victoria.
– Measles is a highly infectious disease and can cause serious illness.
– Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Two doses of measles-containing vaccine are required for immunity.
– If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t had two doses, or you don’t know, get vaccinated.
-Free MMR vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program and state-funded MMR program. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely available at general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacies. No Medicare card is required to get a state funded MMR vaccine.
Anyone planning to go overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine.
Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles.
Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.