Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath has issued an alert in relation to two new, locally acquired measles cases in the state.
Dr McGrath said there is currently an increased risk of measles in greater Melbourne, in addition to the ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas, with the new cases having visited a number of locations while infected including Chadstone Shopping Centre.
Measles is a highly infectious disease and can cause serious illness.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others, with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine required for immunity.
Free MMR vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program and state-funded MMR program. No Medicare card is required to access free state funded MMR vaccine.
Dr McGrath also advised that global case numbers of measles are rising, and any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles.
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.
A number of populations in Victoria are susceptible to measles, including anyone who is unvaccinated, infants under 12 months of age, immunocompromised people and adults who were born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two MMR vaccines in childhood.
Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time, or who has spent time in greater Melbourne from early May should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.