Public health authorities are warning Victorians to be on alert as measles spreads through the community at a scale that hasn’t been seen in more than a decade.
Of the 23 measles cases recorded in Victoria so far this year, almost half were transmitted locally.
The highly contagious viral illness often causes cold and flu symptoms, a fever and a red, blotchy rash.
In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
“Of the first 20-odd cases, around nine ended up in hospital, which is quite serious,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Tarun Weeramanthri said.
In the US, two Texas children have died from the disease this year after vaccination rates dropped in the country.
Health officials fear Australia could be at risk of the same fate as vaccination rates fall, with fewer than 91 per cent of children fully immunised.
“Very regrettably, a few children do die and we just don’t want to see that in Victoria,” Weeramanthri said.
In Victoria, the disease is typically brought into the country by returning overseas travellers after Australia eliminated the illness in 2014.
In 2021, local cases again dropped to zero.
This year, cases have already surpassed last year’s total of 16.
There are now 15 active exposure sites across Victoria, including Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Cockatoo.
The last known exposure site was at Kilmore District Hospital Urgent Care Centre on Wednesday, April 23.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to develop.
The measles vaccine is free and available from your GP.
If you are immunised within six days of being exposed, it can prevent serious illness.
“It’s one of the most effective vaccines we have,” Weeramanthri said.
“It’s 95 per cent effective with one dose and 98 per cent effective with two doses.”
