Two confirmed cases of measles along with numerous exposure sites have prompted health authorities to urge the public to keep an eye out for signs in their neighbourhoods.
The latest case is a teenage girl from Point Cook near Melbourne who recently returned from the Philippines. The first confirmed case was a man returning from India. Both may have been infectious while visiting public sites.
There has been an increase in measles cases globally, say Victorian health officials, with large outbreaks in Europe, Asia and the Americas in the past year alone.
However, most older travellers are unlikely to be in the high-risk category for contracting the disease.
“Most people born before 1966 will have been exposed to measles in childhood, and therefore will be protected,” said Dr Sutton.
“This means if you are an adult born in or after 1966, especially if you are planning travel overseas, you may be susceptible and should contact your GP to get vaccinated – and a free Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine is available.”
Authorities are advising travellers to consider measles vaccination for international travel, and for people to check their vaccination records. For more information about vaccinations, head to www.beta.health.gov.au
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