Victorian health authorities have raised a measles alert following the discovery of two new cases in Melbourne. Since the start of the year, the state has seen a total of eight measles cases. Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri revealed that both individuals contracted the virus locally, as they have no known connections to other cases and haven’t travelled abroad recently.
The newly confirmed cases were infectious while visiting several locations in Greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne from February 19 to 26. Notably, they were present at the Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong, as well as various sites in Bendigo, including a Coles supermarket and Chemist Warehouse in Kangaroo Flat and Airport West. Additionally, an outbreak traced to The Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department occurred on Wednesday.
Dr Weeramanthri emphasised that this situation indicates ongoing local transmission of measles within the community. A comprehensive list of exposure sites and specific dates has been made available to the public.
Authorities are urging anyone who visited the identified locations during the times noted to stay vigilant for measles symptoms and to seek medical advice if symptoms develop within 18 days of their exposure. He noted that individuals with measles are contagious from 24 hours before exhibiting initial symptoms until four days following the appearance of a rash.
The measles virus, which spreads easily through airborne droplets, can pose serious health risks, particularly to young children and those with compromised immune systems. Initial symptoms resemble those of common colds, including fever, cough, and conjunctivitis, followed by a distinct rash.
In light of the rapid spread of this highly contagious virus, the public is advised to take caution and be aware of the symptoms, given that the virus can linger in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has left a location.