People planning to travel overseas are being urged to check their measles vaccinations are up to date, following more cases of returned travellers with the disease.
In the past year, 20 cases of measles have been reported among Victorian residents, with the most recent cases linked to travel in Vietnam.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri has warned that measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.
While there is currently a large measles outbreak in Vietnam, outbreaks are also reported in other parts of South East Asia, India, Africa, Europe and the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the United States.
The new cases of measles were infectious at listed exposure sites on 13-16 January 2025. Anyone at those sites during the specified times should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop, for up to 18 days after the exposure.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.
All Victorians born in 1966 or later who do not have documentation of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine are eligible for a free vaccination. Clinicians should vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status.
Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.