Officials with Victoria Health issued a measles alert today after a confirmed case was noted visiting a number of places in the area. The patient, a young adult, did not travel internationally and the case is considered locally acquired.

The patient was infectious while at the following public places at the dates and times indicated:

  • The general Shepparton area from 21 June to 25 June 2016
  • A V-line train that departed Shepparton at 0630 to Southern Cross Train station on 25 June 2016
  • Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) terminal 4 on 25 June 2016 from approximately 1100 hours and 28 June 2016 from 1515 hours
  • Jetstar flights JQ574 from Melbourne to Brisbane departed 12:30 on 25 June 2016, and JQ569 from Brisbane to Melbourne departed 12:45 on 28 June 2016.
Image/OpenClipartVectors
Image/OpenClipartVectors

Children or 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 are considered to be susceptible to measles. People who are immunocompromised are also at risk.

Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.

How contagious is measles? Answer: Very

The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.

Related: 

Measles/CDC
Measles/CDC