Measles outbreak sparks health warning across Victoria
Victorian health authorities have issued a measles alert after two new cases of the infection were recorded in Melbourne.
Eight cases of measles have been identified across this state since the beginning of the year.
Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri said the new cases were acquired in Melbourne, with both individuals having no known links to other cases and no recent overseas travel.
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Eight cases of measles have been identified across this state since the beginning of the year. iStock
The cases were infectious at multiple locations in Greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne.
"This means there is now local transmission of measles in the community," Weeramanthri said.
The two people travelled to multiple locations between February 19 and 26, the first being Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong.
Locations across Bendigo, including a Coles supermarket in Kangaroo Flat and Chemist Warehouse in Airport West.
The latest outbreak was Wednesday at The Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department.
A full list of locations and dates can be found here.
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Authorities have issued a measles alert after two new cases of the infection were recorded in Melbourne. Getty
Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the specified times above should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.
"People with measles are considered infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until four days after the rash appears," Weeramanthri said.
"Measles is highly infectious and can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions, as well as contaminated surfaces and objects.
"The measles virus can stay in the environment for up to two hours."
Young children and immunocompromised adults are most at risk of serious illness if they contract it.
The virus usually begins with common cold-like symptoms, followed by a fever and rash.
Early symptoms of measles can appear similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza. They include a fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a runny nose.
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