Vic measles alert for plane passengers

An unvaccinated toddler had an infectious case of measles on a flight from Jakarta to Melbourne, and Victorian health experts want anyone with symptoms to seek treatment.

Victoria's deputy chief health officer Brett Sutton says the three-year-old was admitted to hospital on the weekend after flying into Melbourne on Garuda Indonesia flight GA 716 on May 13.

"Anyone developing symptoms is advised to ring ahead to their GP or hospital first and tell them that they have fever and a rash," Mr Sutton said in a statement on Monday.

"If you know you have been in contact with a measles case, please alert your GP or hospital emergency department."

In a statement issued to doctors and hospital emergency departments about the incident, it says the toddler acquired the infection while in Indonesia and medical staff should be prepared.

"Be alert for measles in patients presenting with a fever at rash onset, particularly associated with international travel," Dr Sutton said.

"Isolate suspected cases to minimise the risk of transmission within your department/practice."

Measles symptoms usually present similarly to common cold symptoms which develop into a rash three to seven days later.

The health department says people aged 26 to 42 have the lowest immunisation coverage to the disease but those of any age who are immunocompromised are also at higher risk.

This includes people undergoing cancer treatment or on high-dose steroids.

Most cases of measles in Victoria are linked to international travel.

Suspected cases must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 651 160.