Measles Alert for Victoria and New South Wales March 2024, with cases on international and domestic flights and attending various exposure sites while infectious.
Please monitor Alerts (nsw.gov.au) and Updated measles alert for Melbourne Airport and Metropolitan Melbourne | health.vic.gov.au
- Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person-to-person and potentially lead to serious health complications.
- People who have attended the listed exposure sites during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms of measles.
- Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles and who attended a listed exposure site should contact their GP to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible.
- Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.
- 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.
- Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160 (VIC), 1300 066 055 (NSW).
- Offer free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to people born during or after 1966 who do not have documentation of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status.
- There is no need to check measles serology prior to vaccination.
Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations, including MMR vaccine.