Two new measles cases have been identified in Melbourne’s south-east.
Both acquired the disease earlier this month in separate locations from a person who had arrived back in Australia with the disease.
Both new cases visited multiple exposure sites in Melbourne’s south-east while infectious. Details of exposure sites and times can be found here.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
Measles vaccination coverage rates in Australia, while comparatively high, have declined to below the 95% national target since the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of recent cases have arisen in people who have not had two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.
Many Victorians 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.
Global case numbers of measles are rising and any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles. Anyone planning to go overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine.