Local outbreak of measles in Victoria

What has happened?

An outbreak of measles has been found in Victoria, after two new cases were reported in Melbourne. These cases were infectious at multiple locations around Melbourne and Greater Bendigo. Measles is being brought into Australia by travellers especially from South-East Asia, where there is a large outbreak. These two new cases mean there is now local transmission of measles in metropolitan Melbourne.  

Measles is a viral illness that spreads easily. It often causes a rash and fever and sometimes causes serious illness. It can be prevented through vaccination. 

Anyone not protected by two MMR vaccines or a confirmed past infection is potentially at risk, even if they haven’t travelled overseas, but spent time in metropolitan Melbourne or are in contact with a measles case in Victoria. 

Your best protection is two MMR vaccines, given at least four weeks apart. While most people had one dose of MMR vaccine during childhood, many haven’t received an important second dose. This is because the second dose was not introduced into primary school vaccination schedules until 1994.  

This means adults born between 1966 and 1992 or the mid-1990s may have only had one dose of MMR vaccine and will gain protection from a second MMR now. If you don’t have proof of two MMR vaccine doses, visit your GP to get a free catch-up MMR vaccine. There is no need to get your immunity checked first – the vaccine is safe and is recommended if you don’t have evidence of those two doses. 

To protect yourself and your family from measles, follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure you’re protected against measles

• Talk to your GP if you are born after 1965 and have not had TWO measles vaccines.
• If you are unsure, visit your GP to get a free catch-up MMR vaccine.
• Vaccines are free.

2. Read the Health Alert issued by the Victorian Department of Health to find out about recent exposure sites

• The Health Alert lists the exposure sites in Victoria for the recent cases.
• If you have visited any of the exposure sites during the listed dates and times, or have recently travelled overseas, particularly to South-East Asia, monitor for symptoms of measles.

3. If you are unwell with symptoms of measles, call ahead and see your doctor for a measles test

• Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore and red eyes, and a rash.

If you have recently travelled to South-East Asia, click here for more information on the measles outbreak there.

For more information visit:

• Victorian Department of Health – Local outbreak of measles in Victoria
• Better Health Channel – Measles
• Western Public Health Unit – Measles outbreak in South-East Asia
• Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Measles vaccine

Information for clinicians

The Western Public Health Unit requests that clinicians remain vigilant for suspected measles cases, test and notify at a low threshold, and actively consider offering MMR now to adult patients without documentation of two MMR vaccines. 

A summary of key recommended actions is listed below:

1. Test: Consider testing individuals with measles-compatible illness and no documented immunity, including if they have not had an established epidemiological link to a confirmed case or overseas travel. 
2. Notify: Notify the local public health unit of suspected cases. Contact the public health unit of residence of the suspected case immediately if a measles test is ordered. If you are unsure which LPHU is relevant, call 1300 651 160 and enter the postcode of residence of the case.
3. Offer MMR: Offer a free MMR for those who do not have documented immunity (and for whom the vaccine is not otherwise contraindicated). Consider focusing on the cohort of patients born between 1966 and 1992, who are least likely to be protected by two MMR vaccines. There is no need to check your patient’s immunity through a blood test first – the vaccine is safe to receive even for those that are already immune.