Two locally transmitted measles cases in Melbourne

Health authorities in Melbourne have reported two measles cases. The two infected persons did not travel abroad and did not have contact with other known cases in the country. As noted by Victorian Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri, that means there is local transmission of the disease in metropolitan Melbourne. The duo visited several locations across the city while they were infectious. Therefore, health services made public a list of the visited sites and invited people there at the same time as the duo to monitor for symptoms. These can develop up to 18 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed later by a red bumpy rash. Infected people are contagious from 24 hours before showing symptoms until four days after the rash appears. The virus spreads through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions and contaminated surfaces.
Eight measles cases have been reported in Victoria so far in 2025. Meanwhile, New South Wales Health confirmed a case in Sydney a few days ago. Reported measles cases in Australia fell from over 280 in 2019 to just 38 between 2020 and 2022, thanks to COVID-19 international travel restrictions. After the country reopened its borders, however, they gradually bounced back, with 57 in 2024. Of these, 15 were in Victoria. All Australians can receive the free measles-mumps-rubella vaccine if born during or after 1966. They are urged to get it before travelling abroad, especially those planning trips or vacations in Asian countries.