Key Messages

• A new measles case has been reported in Victoria in an adult who likely acquired the infection overseas (India, Indonesia, Vietnam).

• There is ongoing risk of measles importation via travellers, with outbreaks reported globally and in other Australian states (Queensland, Western Australia).

• New public exposure sites have been identified. Anyone who attended these sites should monitor for symptoms and follow public health advice.

• Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness. It spreads via airborne droplets, respiratory secretions, and contaminated surfaces.

• Vaccination is the most effective protection. Two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine are required for immunity. Free vaccines are widely available, including for infants from 6 months prior to overseas travel.

The Issue

• Measles cases in Victoria are increasing, including locally acquired infections.

• Overseas travel remains a key source of imported cases, with global outbreaks in Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Vaccination coverage in Australia is below the 95% target; most recent Victorian cases involve individuals without two documented MMR doses.

• Anyone presenting with fever and rash should be tested, isolated, and notified to the Local Public Health Unit (1300 651 160).

Who Is at Risk

• Individuals born during or after 1966 without documented two-dose MMR vaccination or evidence of immunity.

• Unvaccinated infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe complications.

Symptoms & Transmission

• Symptoms: fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, general malaise, followed by red maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading.

• Incubation: 7–18 days post-exposure.

• Infectious: 24 hours before symptom onset to 4 days after rash appearance.

• Transmission: airborne droplets, direct contact with secretions, or contaminated surfaces. Virus can survive in the environment up to 2 hours.

Recommendations

For the General Public

• Monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after visiting exposure sites.

• Seek medical care and testing if symptomatic; call ahead and wear a mask.

• Check vaccination status. If not fully vaccinated, get MMR vaccine—free under state and national programs.

• Infants from 6 months can receive a state-funded MMR dose before overseas travel.

• Travellers should ensure MMR vaccination is up to date at least 2 weeks before departure.

For Healthcare Professionals

• Offer MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals; consider NHIG within 6 days for infants, pregnant, or immunocompromised patients.

• Be alert for fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and rash, especially in those unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

• Test suspected cases using nasopharyngeal swab PCR and serology; mark samples as ‘urgent’ and send to VIDRL.

• Isolate suspected cases: separate waiting areas, single-use fitted mask, airborne precautions, leave rooms vacant 30 minutes after consultation.

• Ensure timely routine vaccinations: 12 months MMR, 18 months MMRV. Offer state-funded catch-up MMR vaccine for eligible infants and adults. No Medicare card or pre-vaccination serology is required.

More information: Australian Immunisation Handbook – Measles