Local outbreak of measles in Victoria

What is the issue?

Two new cases of measles have been reported in Victoria that have not travelled overseas, and have no known links to recent cases of measles. These cases were infectious at multiple locations in Greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne. This means there is now local transmission of measles in the community.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis). There have been 8 cases of measles identified in Victoria in 2025.

A number of populations in Victoria are susceptible to measles, including anyone who is unvaccinated, infants under 12 months of age, immunocompromised people and adults who were born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two MMR vaccines in childhood.

Any overseas travel could also lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries and regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the USA.

Active public exposures sites in Victoria for recent cases are listed in the table below.

Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified times above should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure and follow the recommendations below.

In addition, anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any of the sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.

Who is at risk?

Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles. This is also known as being susceptible to measles.

Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. Victorians born between 1966 and 1992 may not have received two doses of vaccine, which are required to provide immunity.

Young infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure.

Initial symptoms of measles may be similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza. If a symptomatic person tests negative for COVID-19 and/or influenza but develops a rash, they should be advised to continue isolating and be tested for measles.

People with measles are considered infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until 4 days after the rash appears. Measles is highly infectious and can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions, as well as contaminated surfaces and objects. The measles virus can stay in the environment for up to 2 hours.

Figures: Example of a typical measles rash

Recommendations

For the general public

• Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.
• Anyone who attended a listed exposure site and is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles should seek medical review if within 6 days of exposure to a measles case.
• Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care and testing for measles. Call the health service beforehand to advise that you may have been exposed to measles and wear a face mask.
• The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is available for free:
  • on the National Immunisation Program, routinely given at 12 months and 18 months of age.
  • for anyone born during or after 1966 who have not already received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, are unsure of their vaccination status, or do not have evidence of immunity to measles.
  • for young infants aged 6 to 12 months prior to overseas travel to countries where measles is endemic or where outbreaks of measles are occurring. If an infant receives an early dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel, they should still receive routine doses at 12 months and 18 months of age as per the National Immunisation Program schedule.
• Victorians born between 1966 and 1992 may not have received two doses of vaccine. If you are unsure, see an immunisation provider now to ask for an MMR vaccine. Two doses are required for immunity.
• Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations, including MMR vaccination.

For health professionals

• For persons who have attended an exposure site, anyone who is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) if they present up to 144 hours (6 days) after close exposure to a measles case.
• Clinicians should be alert for measles in patients presenting with compatible illness if they have travelled overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified dates and times and are not fully vaccinated against measles.
• These new cases now indicate local transmission of measles within Victoria. Clinicians should also consider measles in people with compatible symptoms who have spent time in metropolitan Melbourne in the prior 7 to 18 days.
• Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested, isolated and notified to the Department of Health immediately, by calling 1300 651 160 and connecting to the relevant Local Public Health Unit.
• Discuss the need for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using nose and throat swabs with the Local Public Health Unit (PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate).
• Take blood samples for measles serology in all suspected cases.
• Minimise the risk of measles transmission within your practice/department/community:
  • avoid keeping patients with fever and rash in shared waiting areas (send to a separate room).
  • if measles is suspected, give the patient a single use, fitted face mask and isolate under airborne precautions until a measles diagnosis can be excluded.
  • leave all rooms that were used to assess the suspected case vacant for at least 30 minutes after the consultation.
  • if returning home, patients should isolate at home until test results are available.
• Offer MMR vaccine to people born during or after 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or documented evidence of immunity.
• Serology is not required before vaccinating.
• People who are not Medicare eligible can also receive the free MMR vaccine. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook – Measlesfor further guidance on immunisation.