New measles case in Victoria as of 24 January 2024. Update for health professionals and the community.
Important points:
- A recent new measles case in Victoria involved a traveller who visited Melbourne exposure sites on 17 January 2024 while infectious.
- Measles is highly contagious; monitor symptoms if you’ve been to the listed sites.
- Seek medical care if symptoms arise; wear a mask and call ahead to isolate.
- Healthcare professionals, especially for those with fever and rash, should be vigilant, testing suspected cases, isolating, and notifying the Department of Health at 1300 651 160.
- Free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine should be offered to those born in or after 1966 without proof of two doses. Vaccinate those uncertain about their history, regardless of Medicare status.
- No need for measles serology before vaccination.
- Travellers should ensure they’ve received the necessary vaccinations before going abroad.
- The research found that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
