0
0
Melbourne, April 29, 2025 – Victoria is grappling with its most significant measles outbreak in over a decade, prompting health authorities to issue an urgent alert as infections climb across the state, particularly in greater Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire region.
The Victorian Department of Health confirmed that 23 measles cases have been reported so far in 2025, exceeding the combined totals for 2023 and 2024. Alarmingly, a growing proportion of these cases have been acquired locally, highlighting concerning gaps in vaccination coverage and raising the risk of further community transmission.
Recent Imported Case and Exposure Sites
The latest case involves a traveller who contracted measles while visiting Pakistan and was infectious during Emirates flight EK408 from Dubai to Melbourne on April 24. This individual visited several public locations, including Melbourne Airport, Westfield Fountain Gate, and multiple venues in Kilmore, potentially exposing others to the virus. Health officials have published a detailed list of exposure sites and are urging anyone who visited these locations from early April to monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after possible exposure.
Local Transmission Driving Concern
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of locally acquired infections. “A growing number of measles cases have acquired their infection locally in Victoria. Most of the recent cases were in people who have not received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine,” Dr. Weeramanthri stated.
Local transmission is now confirmed, with some cases occurring in individuals who had no recent overseas travel or known contact with other infected persons, indicating the virus is circulating within the community.
Symptoms and Who Is at Risk
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 18 days after exposure and include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash that starts on the face before spreading across the body.
Infants under 12 months, unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Adults born between 1966 and 1992 may also be vulnerable if they have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Vaccination Coverage and Public Health Response
Australia’s MMR vaccination coverage has dipped below the critical 95% threshold since the COVID-19 pandemic, making outbreaks more likely. Most recent Victorian cases have occurred in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.
The MMR vaccine is available free of charge in Victoria for anyone without two documented doses, regardless of Medicare status. Health authorities are urging anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status-especially those planning overseas travel-to get immunised promptly.
National and Global Context
Victoria’s outbreak mirrors trends seen across Australia, with 59 measles cases reported nationally so far in 2025, already surpassing last year’s total. Similar outbreaks have been reported in New South Wales and Western Australia, and global measles activity remains high, particularly in parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States.
“Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can result in rare but severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Most of the recent cases have been among individuals who have not received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.”
Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri, Chief Health Officer
What To Do
-
If you were at any listed exposure sites during the specified times, monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop.
-
Anyone born after 1966 without two documented MMR doses should get vaccinated.
-
Remain vigilant for symptoms if you have spent time in greater Melbourne or Mitchell Shire since early April.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of April 30, 2025, from official health department releases and news reports. For the latest updates, guidance, and a full list of exposure sites, consult the Victorian Department of Health or your healthcare provider. This article does not constitute medical advice.
Citations:
