In a follow-up to the measles outbreak in Melbourne, Australia, the number of cases have risen to eleven in Victoria in the last two weeks. Health officials believe there may be additional cases upcoming.

Image/Peggy_Marco
Image/Peggy_Marco

Measles has an incubation period of between 7 and 18 days (average 14 days from exposure to rash) so should be considered in any susceptible person who presents with a compatible illness, with an onset date between 5 September 2017 and 17 October 2017.

Key locations for exposure include (but are not limited to):

  • Workplaces and surrounding cafes at Collins Square (727 Collins Street), 7-28 September
  • Ikea Richmond, 13 September
  • Melbourne International Airport, 13 September
  • Qatar Airways flight QR904 arriving in Melbourne from Doha
  • MCG Saturday 23 September (Gate 5, Level 4)
  • Melbourne International Airport and Qantas lounge, Sunday 24 September
  • Qantas flight QF29 departing Melbourne to Hong Kong
  • Melbourne International Airport, 29 September
  • Jetstar flight JQ 36 arriving in Melbourne from Denpasar
  • The Australian Ballet at the State Theatre, Friday 22 September
  • DFO Essendon, Sunday 24 September
  • Village Cinema Crown, Monday 25 September
  • Metro Trains, including North Richmond, Southern Cross, Murrumbeena, South Yarra, Caulfield, East Brunswick, North Melbourne and Jewell stations, various dates.

Susceptible people are at risk of measles and may have symptom onset anytime from 5 September until 17 October 2017. Symptom onset can occur any time between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and immediately notified to the Department on 1300 651 160. Do not wait for test results before notifying. 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.