Community
12 July, 2024
Measles detected in Warrnambool visitor
A NEW case of measles has been identified in a returned overseas traveller who attended multiple public exposure sites in south west Victoria while infectious.
The Department of Health announced last Wednesday a traveller had returned from Singapore in late June before travelling to the south west with stops in Colac, Warrnambool and Port Campbell.
Active public exposure dates and sites include:
Wednesday, June 26 from 3pm to 3.50pm at Toyworld Warrnambool (monitor for onset of symptoms up until Sunday, July 14);
Thursday, June 27 from 11am to 11.40pm at Friendly Grocer, Port Campbell;
Friday, June 28 from 5pm to 7pm at Port Campbell Hotel; and Friday, June 28 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Friendly Grocer.
Anyone who attended a listed exposure site should monitor for symptoms up until Tuesday, July 16 and seek medical care should symptoms present.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
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 seven 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.
There have now been 11 cases of measles reported in Victoria since the beginning of 2024.
For more information visit the Department of Health website at health.vic.gov.au.
