Health Warning Issued for Measles Outbreak in Victoria, Australia
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A health alert has been declared in Victoria, Australia, due to a local outbreak of measles. Two new cases were confirmed in Melbourne, prompting officials to advise the public on exposure sites and the importance of vaccination.
Key Takeaways
- A health alert has been issued in Victoria, Australia.
- Two new cases of measles were confirmed in metropolitan Melbourne.
- Victorian health authorities have identified multiple exposure sites.
- Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications.
- Vaccination is essential to prevent outbreaks.
Sydney, Feb 28 (NationPress) A health warning has been issued regarding a regional outbreak of measles in Australia's second-largest state. Authorities in Victoria announced on Thursday evening that they have confirmed an outbreak after discovering two new cases likely contracted in metropolitan Melbourne.
The Victorian Department of Health indicated that the two individuals had no recent history of international travel or known exposure to other measles cases.
These individuals visited several locations in Melbourne and the regional city of Bendigo, located 130 km northwest of Melbourne, between February 19 and 26, including shopping centers, swimming pools, medical facilities, and major hospitals.
The department has published a comprehensive list of the exposure sites and times. Anyone who frequented these locations during the specified times is advised to monitor for symptoms of measles until mid-March.
"Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that can transmit from person to person and may result in severe health issues such as pneumonia and brain inflammation," stated Tarun Weeramanthri, Victoria's chief health officer.
He requested that healthcare providers remain vigilant for signs of measles in patients exhibiting fever and rash, especially those who have recently traveled abroad or visited any of the identified exposure sites.
As reported by Xinhua news agency, there have been eight documented cases of measles in the state in 2025.
Measles infects the respiratory system and subsequently spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and rashes across the body.
Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent contracting measles or transmitting it to others. The vaccine is safe and aids your body in combating the virus.
Prior to the advent of the measles vaccine in 1963 and its widespread administration, significant epidemics occurred about every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, roughly 107,500 individuals succumbed to measles, primarily children under five years old, despite the existence of a safe and affordable vaccine.
