Urgent health alert exposes seven sites with highly contagious disease—are you at risk?
- Replies 0
Health concerns are once again making headlines, with authorities urging the public to stay alert and informed.
In an urgent call to action, health authorities in Victoria have issued a renewed health alert as a highly infectious disease rears its head in this state.
The culprit? Measles—a disease that continues to pose a significant threat to public health.
The Victorian Department of Health has identified seven public exposure sites.
The latest case, reported in southeast Melbourne, has prompted Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong to urge the community to be on high alert, especially those who frequented the Cranbourne area.
'This case attended two public places throughout Cranbourne in south-east Melbourne while infectious on the 27 and 28 December 2024,' Dr Wong said.
'This is in addition to other recent measles cases that have generated a number of exposure sites in Melbourne in December.'
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe health complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recent case was active in the community, visiting multiple public locations while contagious, including Bunnings Cranbourne and Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North.
Those who visited Bunnings Cranbourne on 27 December between 7:20 pm and 8:20 pm or Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North on 28 December from 11:30 am to 12:40 pm are advised to watch for symptoms.
The rise in measles cases is not isolated to Victoria or even Australia. There have been outbreaks in Asia, Africa, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and the US.
Dr Wong warned Aussies planning to travel to southeast Asia to remain vigilant.
'Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in other countries in Asia,' she said.
'Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.
'Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site (listed below) 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.'
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and a distinctive red rash that typically starts on the face before spreading.
It's crucial to note that initial symptoms can mimic 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,' the department said in an update.
Remember, individuals with measles can be infectious before they even know they're sick, from 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after the rash emerges.
The virus spreads through airborne droplets or contact with infected secretions, and it can linger on surfaces for up to two hours.
Have you been to any of the listed exposure sites, or do you have plans to travel soon? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
In an urgent call to action, health authorities in Victoria have issued a renewed health alert as a highly infectious disease rears its head in this state.
The culprit? Measles—a disease that continues to pose a significant threat to public health.
The Victorian Department of Health has identified seven public exposure sites.
The latest case, reported in southeast Melbourne, has prompted Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong to urge the community to be on high alert, especially those who frequented the Cranbourne area.
Victorian authorities issued an urgent health alert as measles were confirmed in seven public exposure sites. Credit: Freepik / Freepik
'This case attended two public places throughout Cranbourne in south-east Melbourne while infectious on the 27 and 28 December 2024,' Dr Wong said.
'This is in addition to other recent measles cases that have generated a number of exposure sites in Melbourne in December.'
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe health complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.
The recent case was active in the community, visiting multiple public locations while contagious, including Bunnings Cranbourne and Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North.
Those who visited Bunnings Cranbourne on 27 December between 7:20 pm and 8:20 pm or Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North on 28 December from 11:30 am to 12:40 pm are advised to watch for symptoms.
The rise in measles cases is not isolated to Victoria or even Australia. There have been outbreaks in Asia, Africa, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and the US.
Dr Wong warned Aussies planning to travel to southeast Asia to remain vigilant.
'Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in other countries in Asia,' she said.
'Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.
'Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site (listed below) 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.'
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and a distinctive red rash that typically starts on the face before spreading.
It's crucial to note that initial symptoms can mimic 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,' the department said in an update.
Remember, individuals with measles can be infectious before they even know they're sick, from 24 hours before symptoms appear until four days after the rash emerges.
The virus spreads through airborne droplets or contact with infected secretions, and it can linger on surfaces for up to two hours.
Last edited:
