Department of Health

New measles cases in Victoria – additional case in Point Cook

14/02/19
Published by Department of Health & Human Services

Please see the linked CHO Alert in relation to a case of recently diagnosed measles and a number of exposure sites around Melbourne.

The case, a teenage girl, remains isolated and is recovering at a private residence in Point Cook. All appropriate family, other close contacts and school contacts including students and staff have been contacted and provided with information.

Quotes attributable to Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton:

 "Anyone who is unvaccinated is at highest risk of contracting measles. People need to have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine to be fully protected. Many adults have only received one vaccine against measles and therefore most cases are in this age group."

"Most people born before 1966 will have been exposed to measles in childhood, and therefore will be protected.

This means if you are an adult born in or after 1966 - especially if you are planning travel overseas - you may be susceptible and should contact your GP to get vaccinated - and a free Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine is available."

New measles case in Victoria - additional case in Point Cook

 This is a timely reminder for individuals to check their vaccination records. Free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is now available for adults born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or do not have documented evidence of immunity.

Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the department. There should be an especially high index of suspicion if they have attended any of the areas stated above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.

Further information about measles can be found at the Better Health Channel.

All overseas travellers should be prepared for travel and be aware of health issues and measures to protect themselves from sickness while overseas. Further information can be found at the Better Health Channel's overseas travel health tips section.

Reviewed 14 February 2019

Health.vic

Contact details

Bram Alexander Department of Health Media Unit

Mobile phone 0412 260 811
bram.alexander@health.vic.gov.au
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