Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath has advised that a new measles case has been reported in Victoria in a returned traveller who visited Vietnam.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in greater Melbourne, Mitchell Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire in addition to the ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas.
People who have visited any of the listed exposure sites or spent time in greater Melbourne from mid-April should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions in the full alert.
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.
If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t had two doses, or you don’t know, get vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine is widely available at 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.
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.