Urgent health alert after confirmed case of highly infectious disease is detected in Aussie state – read the full list of new exposure sites

Health authorities are scrambling to contain a measles outbreak in Victoria.

A renewed health alert has been issued by the Victorian Department of Health following an alarming rise in cases.

There are currently seven active public exposure sites with the latest case reported in southeast Melbourne.

Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong on Saturday said the most recent case was active in the community during late December.

The infected person attended multiple public locations in the Cranbourne area, 43km south-east of Melbourne’s CBB, while contagious.

‘This case attended two public places throughout Cranbourne in south-east Melbourne while infectious on the 27 and 28 December 2024,’ Dr Wong said. 

‘This is in addition to other recent measles cases that have generated a number of exposure sites in Melbourne in December.’ 

Anyone who visited Bunnings Cranbourne between 7.20pm and 8.20pm on December 27 or Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North between 11.30am and 12.40pm on December 28 is urged to monitor for symptoms. 

The jump in exposure sites follows a recent increase in measles cases in returning travellers across Australia.

Dr Wong warned Victorians who have returned from or plan to travel to southeast Asia to remain vigilant.

‘Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in other countries in Asia,’ she said.

‘Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.

‘Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site (listed below) during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.’

Measles symptoms include include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and generally feeling unwell.

This is followed by a red maculopapular rash which usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. 

The Victorian Department of Health advises symptoms can develop between seven to 18 days after exposure. 

Measles symptoms include include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and generally feeling unwell. This is followed by a red maculopapular rash (stock image)

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,’ the department said in a recent update. 

People are potentially infectious from 24 hours before experiencing symptoms until four days after the rash appears.

The virus can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions and contaminated surfaces and objects that can last for up to two hours. 

Outbreaks of measles have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East and the US.