What is the issue?

A new case of measles has been reported in Victoria, acquired during travel overseas. There is an ongoing risk of measles being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from overseas or interstate. There have been significantly more cases than usual in Victoria this year, including a considerable number that have acquired their infection locally in Victoria.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

Measles vaccination coverage rates in Australia, while comparatively high, have declined to below the 95% national target since the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of recent cases have arisen in people who have not had two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.

Global case numbers of measles are rising, and any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles. There are currently outbreaks reported in multiple countries and regions, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the United Kingdom (UK), the Middle East, and North America.

A number of populations in Victoria are susceptible to measles, including anyone who is unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. This includes infants under 12 months of age, and adults who were born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two MMR vaccines in childhood. Immunocompromised people may also be susceptible and should seek advice from their regular doctor.

Active public exposures sites in Victoria for recent cases are listed in the table below.

Anyone who has attended 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, and follow the recommendations below.

In addition, anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any of the sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.

Who is at risk?

Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles. This is also known as being susceptible to measles.

Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. Victorians born between 1966 and 1992 may not have received two doses of vaccine, which are required to provide immunity.

Young infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure.

Initial symptoms of measles may be similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza. If a symptomatic person tests negative for COVID-19 and/or influenza but develops a rash, they should be advised to continue isolating and be tested for measles.

People with measles are considered infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until 4 days after the rash appears. 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 2 hours.