Vic baby with measles prompts alert

Other children may have been exposed to measles by a Melbourne baby who has the virus.

Victoria's chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, says an 11-month-old boy from Greenvale in Melbourne's northwest had contracted the infectious disease.

The health department says the boy may have come in contact with many other people through playgroups, shopping centres and cafes.

"The department has been able to identify a number of children who attended playgroups with this child," Dr Lester said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We are asking people who develop measles-like symptoms between September 5 and September 21 to seek medical advice."

People are warned to look out for cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, red eyes and a cough.

A red, spotty rash usually begins after two to five days.

"People can develop pneumonia and other serious complications from the disease," Dr Lester said.

There have been 72 confirmed cases of measles in Victoria since January 1, which is the highest level since 2001.