Measles case reported at Melbourne Airport

A new case of the measles has been identified at Melbourne Airport.

The returned overseas traveller tested positive for measles after transiting through Melbourne Airport's T2 international terminal on Wednesday, between 9.15 pm and 10.30 pm.

The traveller had been on flight EK408 from Dubai.

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People who were on the flight, or in the airport during those times should monitor for symptoms, Victoria Health said.

"If you have been to one of the exposure sites, you must monitor for symptoms for 18 days. Symptoms usually start to appear after a week," Victoria's Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker said.

"If any symptoms develop, you should seek immediate medical attention.

"Please call ahead before arriving at a medical facility, so that they can see you in isolation from other patients."

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease and can spread quickly in unvaccinated people, Victoria Health said.

Young children and immunocompromised adults are most at risk of serious illness if they contract it.

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The virus usually begins with common cold-like symptoms, followed by a fever and rash.

Recent measles cases have been found in people who are either unvaccinated or have returned from overseas, Victoria Health said.

The virus is rare in Australia due to widespread vaccination rates.

"Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received appropriate vaccinations, including an MMR vaccine if they don't have a history of two previous MMR vaccinations," Looker said.