Measles Outbreak Concerns Rise in Victoria
Health officials in Victoria have issued urgent warnings to thousands of residents potentially exposed to measles following the confirmation of two new cases. This brings the total number of cases in the state for 2026 to four, all connected to recent travel from South-East Asia and South Asia.
Individuals who visited more than 20 listed exposure sites, including hospitals, airports, and shopping centers, during specific times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after their visit. Authorities emphasize the importance of early detection and vaccination to prevent further spread.
Symptoms and Immediate Actions
Common measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or sore eyes, and general unwellness, typically followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downward. Those experiencing these signs should seek medical attention promptly and notify healthcare providers of possible exposure beforehand.
Officials recommend contacting a general practitioner if vaccination status is uncertain. Individuals without two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine may qualify for preventive treatment, ideally within 72 hours of exposure using the MMR vaccine, or up to six days with immunoglobulin for vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Key Exposure Sites and Monitoring Periods
Residents are advised to check the following locations and monitor for symptoms until the specified dates. All times are local.
Monitor Until February 2
- Vietnam Airlines Flight VN 781 from Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine: January 14-15, 9:15 p.m. to 10:10 a.m.
- Melbourne Airport Terminal 2, Tullamarine: January 15, 9:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
- Jetaway Shuttle Bus from Melbourne Airport to Jetaway Airport Parking, Tullamarine: January 15, 10:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Jetaway Airport Parking, 6 Prima Court, Tullamarine: January 15, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Dong Nam A, 1 Collins Street, St Albans: January 15, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 3
- Barwon Health North Urgent Care Centre, Ground Floor Front Reception Area, 155 Princes Highway, Norlane: January 16, 11:20 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Monitor Until February 10
- Princetown Recreation Reserve, 93 Old Coach Road, Princetown: January 23, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 11
- Princetown Recreation Reserve, 93 Old Coach Road, Princetown: January 24, 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Great Ocean Road Health Apollo Bay Urgent Care Centre, 75 McLachlan Street, Apollo Bay: January 24, 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Casalingo Restaurant, 1 Moore Street, Apollo Bay: January 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Bimbi Park Cape Otway, 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway: January 24, 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Foodworks Apollo Bay, 4 Hardy Street, Apollo Bay: January 24, 8:10 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Monitor Until February 12
- Bimbi Park Cape Otway, 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway: January 25, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 13
- Cape Otway Lightstation, 1140 Lightstation Road, Cape Otway: January 26, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Bimbi Park Cape Otway, 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway: January 26, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 14
- Bimbi Park Cape Otway, 90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway: January 27, 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Foodworks Apollo Bay, 4 Hardy Street, Apollo Bay: January 27, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Wild Dog Home Hardware, 41-45 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay: January 27, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Wye River Beachfront Campground, Great Ocean Road, Wye River: January 27, 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 15
- Lorne Visitor Information Centre, 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne: January 28, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Wye River Beachfront Campground, Great Ocean Road, Wye River: January 28, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 16
- Emirates Flight EK406 departing Dubai, arriving Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine: January 28-29, 10:05 a.m. to 6:55 a.m.
- Melbourne Airport Terminal 2, Tullamarine: January 29, 6:25 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Koo Wee Rup Medical Centre, 303 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup: January 29, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monitor Until February 17
- Sunshine Hospital, St Albans (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Emergency Department): January 30, 4:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
- San Remo Pelican Feeding, San Remo: January 30, 12:00 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
- Koala Conservation Reserve, Rhyll: January 30, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Health authorities urge all Victorians to verify their MMR vaccination status to mitigate risks. Prompt action can significantly reduce the potential for an outbreak.
