Tejal Somvanshi
A measles outbreak has hit Victoria with five new cases identified recently, raising concerns about local transmission. Two of these cases are locally acquired and linked to a February outbreak. The other three cases were contracted overseas in Bali.
Local Transmission Confirmed
Health officials confirm that some of these cases have no history of overseas travel or known contact with previous measles cases. This indicates the virus is now spreading within the Victorian community.
“Local transmission highlights the need for increased vigilance,” said Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri, emphasizing the risks posed by the highly contagious nature of the virus.
The Victorian Department of Health has listed multiple exposure sites across Melbourne and Greater Bendigo, including:
- Frankston Hospital Emergency Department
- My Clinic South Yarra
- Rosebud Hospital Emergency Department
- Highpoint Shopping Centre and various stores within
- Nightlife venues in Prahran including Revolver Upstairs Bar and Somewhere Bar
- Medical centers and pathology services in Sunshine
- The Training Ground in Rosebud
People who visited these locations during specific times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure.
Declining Vaccination Rates a Concern
Measles vaccination coverage in Australia has fallen below the 95% national target since the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all recent cases have occurred in people without two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.
The outbreak has revealed vulnerable populations in Victoria, including:
- Unvaccinated individuals
- Infants under 12 months
- People with weakened immune systems
- Adults born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two MMR vaccines
Understanding Measles and Its Risks
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads through airborne droplets or contact with nose and throat secretions. The virus can remain in the environment for up to two hours.
Symptoms typically appear 7-18 days after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore or red eyes
- Runny nose
- General feeling of being unwell
- A red rash that typically starts on the face before spreading
People are infectious from 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after the rash develops.
The illness can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis). These risks are higher for young infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
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Free Vaccines Available
The Victorian Department of Health is offering free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines to all Victorians born during or after 1966 who haven’t received two doses.
“Two doses are required for immunity,” health officials emphasized.
In one instance, transmission occurred in a primary care waiting room, highlighting the importance of immediate isolation for people with fever and rash.
Global Context
The local outbreak comes amid rising global measles cases. Current outbreaks are reported in multiple countries including Vietnam, Thailand, India, parts of Africa, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and the USA.
Health authorities stress that anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they’ve received appropriate vaccinations, especially when traveling to South-East Asia, including Indonesia and Vietnam.
What To Do If Exposed
If you’ve been to any exposure site during the listed times:
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days
- Seek medical care if symptoms develop
- Call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility
- Wear a face mask when seeking medical attention
Anyone not fully vaccinated who visited an exposure site may be eligible for the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.
With 13 measles cases identified in Victoria in 2025 so far, including two confirmed cases of local transmission linked to the February outbreak, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have measles?
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), and feeling generally unwell. These are followed by a distinctive red rash that usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms typically develop 7-18 days after exposure. If you suspect you have measles, call your healthcare provider before visiting so they can take precautions to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Who is at highest risk during this measles outbreak?
The highest risk groups include unvaccinated individuals, infants under 12 months of age, people with weakened immune systems, and adults born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. These groups are either more susceptible to catching measles or more likely to develop serious complications from the disease.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is highly effective when administered according to the recommended schedule. Two doses are required for full immunity. The vaccine not only protects individuals but also helps prevent community spread when enough people are vaccinated. Almost all recent cases in Victoria occurred in people who did not have two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.
If I’m unsure about my vaccination status, what should I do?
If you were born during or after 1966 and are unsure about your vaccination status, the safest approach is to get vaccinated. There’s no harm in receiving additional doses of the MMR vaccine if you’ve already been vaccinated. The vaccine is free for Victorians born after 1966 who haven’t received two doses. Contact your doctor or local immunization provider to arrange vaccination.
I visited one of the exposure sites. What should I do now?
If you visited an exposure site during the specified times, monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure. If you develop symptoms, seek medical care but call ahead and wear a face mask to prevent potential spread. If you’re not fully vaccinated and it’s within 72 hours of exposure, you may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine as post-exposure prevention.
Can measles cause serious health problems?
Yes, measles can lead to serious complications. The source document confirms that measles can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis). Young infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of serious complications from measles. This is why vaccination and preventing spread is so important.
