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New measles case in Victoria

Victoria,

Alert Status:
Active
Issued Date:
13 Jan 2026
Issued By:
Dr Caroline McElnay,Chief Health Officer
Issued To:
Health professionals and the Victorian community

Summary

  • A new measles case has been confirmed in Victoria in a returned traveller from South-East Asia.

  • There is an ongoing risk of measles importation from overseas and interstate travel.

  • New public exposure sites have been identified.

What you need to know

  • Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread through airborne droplets.

  • Vaccination is the most effective protection. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are required for immunity.

  • People born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR, or are unsure of their status, are advised to be vaccinated.

Exposure sites

  • Anyone who attended a listed exposure site during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure and follow the provided instructions.

Current situation

  • Victoria has recorded a higher than usual number of measles cases in the past year.

  • Recent cases have also been reported in NSW, WA, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia.

  • Globally, measles continues to circulate across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, including nearby countries such as Indonesia (including Bali), Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan and India.

  • Any overseas travel may result in measles exposure.

  • Vaccination coverage in Australia remains below the 95% national target, with most recent Victorian cases occurring in people without two MMR doses.

Who is at risk

  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.

  • Many people born between 1966 and 1992 may not have received two MMR doses.

  • Young infants, pregnant women and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of severe complications.

Symptoms and spread

  • Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes and general unwellness, followed by a red maculopapular rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward.

  • Symptoms typically develop 7–18 days after exposure.

  • People are infectious from 24 hours before symptom onset until 4 days after the rash appears.

Recommendations – General public

  • Monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

  • If not fully vaccinated and presenting within 72 hours of exposure, MMR vaccination may be offered.

  • Immunocompromised or pregnant people who are not fully vaccinated should seek medical review within 6 days of exposure.

  • If symptoms develop, call ahead before attending a health service and wear a face mask.

  • Free MMR vaccine is available to all Victorians born during or since 1966 through GPs, pharmacies, local councils and Aboriginal Health Services.

  • Check vaccination history via myGov (Proof of vaccinations).

  • Local Public Health Units are running vaccination campaigns for people aged 20–59 years.

  • Travellers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before departure. Infants aged 6–11 months can receive a state-funded MMR dose before overseas travel.

Recommendations – Health professionals

  • Offer MMR within 72 hours of exposure to eligible people born during or after 1966 who are not fully vaccinated.

  • Consider normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) within 6 days for young infants, pregnant or immunocompromised people who are not fully vaccinated.

  • Suspect measles in patients with fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and rash, particularly if vaccination status is incomplete or unknown.

  • Test, isolate and notify suspected cases immediately by calling the Local Public Health Unit on 1300 651 160.

  • Test via nasopharyngeal swab PCR and serology; label PCR samples as urgent and send to VIDRL via the primary pathology provider.

  • Reduce transmission risk:

    • Do not keep febrile rash patients in shared waiting areas.

    • Provide a fitted single-use face mask and isolate under airborne precautions.

    • Leave assessment rooms vacant for at least 30 minutes after use.

    • Advise home isolation while awaiting results.

  • Ensure on-time childhood vaccination: MMR at 12 months and MMRV at 18 months.

  • Offer state-funded MMR to infants from 6 months travelling overseas (two further doses still required at 12 and 18 months).

  • Offer state-funded MMR to people born during or after 1966 without documented two-dose vaccination or immunity.

  • Serology is not required before vaccination.

  • Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook – Measles for further guidance.