Date issued: 21 December 2022
Issued by: Professor Brett Sutton, Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Health professionals and Victorian community
Key messages
- A new case of measles has been identified in a returned overseas traveller.
- The case was infectious on their return flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Melbourne and at multiple exposure sites in Melbourne between 12 to 19 December 2022.
- People who attended the listed exposure sites during the specified dates and times are advised to monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms can develop 7 to 18 days after exposure.
- Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.
- Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients presenting with fever and rash, particularly if they were overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period. People with compatible illness should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health.
- There is no need to check serology prior to vaccination.
- Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received vaccinations appropriate for travel.
- Be aware that the initial symptoms of measles are similar to that of COVID-19 and influenza. If a patient has a negative COVID-19 test, but develops a rash, consider measles.
- Read the full alert: New measles case in Victoria
