Victoria Confirms Measles Outbreak; 19 Exposure Sites Announced

Victorian health officials confirmed Thursday that measles is now spreading locally after detecting two new cases in Melbourne with no overseas travel history.

“This means there is now local transmission of measles in the community,” said Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri.

The state has recorded eight measles cases so far in 2025.

Exposure Sites Across Two Cities

The infected individuals visited 19 locations in Melbourne and Bendigo between February 19-26, including:

Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong (first location)
Multiple sites in Bendigo (Feb 19-20)
Keilor East Swimming Pool (Feb 22)
Chemist Warehouse in Airport West
Emergency departments at Bendigo Hospital (Feb 24) and Royal Melbourne Hospital (Feb 25-26)

A full list with specific times is available on the Victorian health department’s website.

Vulnerable Groups Identified

Dr. Weeramanthri warned several groups face higher risk:

Unvaccinated people
Babies under 12 months
Those with compromised immune systems
Adults born 1966-1992 who may lack full vaccination

“Anyone who attended the locations at the same time should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure,” he advised.

Key Symptoms to Monitor

Measles symptoms appear 7-18 days after exposure and include:

Fever
Cough
Red or sore eyes
Runny nose
General unwellness
Distinctive red rash beginning on the face

Health officials note these symptoms may initially resemble COVID-19 or flu. “If someone tests negative for COVID-19 or influenza but develops a rash, they should continue isolating and get tested for measles,” Dr. Weeramanthri said.

Part of Global Resurgence

The local cases emerge amid worldwide outbreaks, with significant spread reported in:

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand)
India
Africa
Europe and UK
Middle East
United States

Health experts link the global resurgence to declining vaccination rates following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free Vaccines Available

All Victorians born during or after 1966 can receive free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines.

People are infectious from 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after rash development, making prompt identification essential to prevent further transmission.

FAQs About the Victorian Measles Outbreak

Why are these new measles cases different from previous ones?

These cases represent local transmission within Victoria, as the infected individuals had no overseas travel history or contact with known cases. This indicates the virus is actively spreading in the community rather than being imported from abroad.

How can I check if I might have been exposed?

Visit the Victorian Department of Health website for the complete list of exposure sites and times. If you were at any listed location during the specified period, monitor yourself for symptoms for 18 days after the potential exposure.

How easily does measles spread?

Measles is highly contagious. As the source states, “people are infectious 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after the rash develops.” The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing.

What’s the difference between measles symptoms and COVID/flu?

Early symptoms overlap with COVID-19 and flu (fever, cough, runny nose). The key difference is the distinctive red rash that appears, typically starting on the face before spreading downward. As Dr. Weeramanthri advised: “If a symptomatic person tests negative for Covid-19 or influenza but develops a rash, they should continue isolating and be tested for measles.”

Who needs measles vaccination now?

All Victorians born after 1966 are eligible for free MMR vaccine. Those at highest risk include unvaccinated individuals, those born 1966-1992 who may have received only one dose instead of the recommended two, and people planning international travel.

What serious complications can measles cause?

According to the source document, measles “can lead to serious health complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).” Dr. Weeramanthri described it as “a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications.”

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