Home Australia Urgent health alert after confirmed case of highly infectious disease is detected in Aussie state – read the full list of new exposure sites

Urgent health alert after confirmed case of highly infectious disease is detected in Aussie state – read the full list of new exposure sites

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The Victorian Department of Health has issued a new health alert following an alarming increase in measles cases (file image)

Health authorities are struggling to contain a measles outbreak in Victoria.

The Victorian Department of Health has issued a new health alert following an alarming increase in cases.

There are currently seven active public exposure sites with the latest case reported in Melbourne’s south-east.

Acting Chief Health Officer Dr. Evelyn Wong said Saturday that the most recent case was active in the community in late December.

The infected person went to several public places in the Cranbourne area, 43 kilometers southeast of Melbourne CBB, although he was contagious.

“This case occurred in two public places in Cranbourne, southeast of Melbourne, while infectious on December 27 and 28, 2024,” Dr Wong said.

“This is in addition to other recent measles cases that have generated several exposure sites in Melbourne in December.”

Anyone who visited Bunnings Cranbourne between 7.20pm and 8.20pm on December 27 or Chemist Warehouse in Cranbourne North between 11.30am and 12.40pm on December 28 should watch out for symptoms.

The Victorian Department of Health has issued a new health alert following an alarming increase in measles cases (file image)

The increase in exposure sites follows a recent increase in measles cases in travelers returning through Australia.

Dr Wong warned Victorians who have returned or plan to travel to Southeast Asia to remain vigilant.

“Any trip abroad could lead to exposure to measles, and outbreaks have been reported in other countries in Asia,” he said.

‘Anyone planning to travel abroad should ensure they have received appropriate vaccinations.

“Anyone who attended a listed exposure site (listed below) during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms develop up to 18 days after exposure.”

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and general malaise.

This is followed by a red maculopapular rash that usually starts on the face before spreading over the body.

The Victorian Department of Health advises that symptoms may develop between seven and 18 days after exposure.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and general malaise. This is followed by a red maculopapular rash (stock image)

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, and general malaise. This is followed by a red maculopapular rash (stock image)

The initial symptoms of measles can 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,” the department said in a recent update.

People are potentially infectious from 24 hours before experiencing symptoms until four days after the rash appears.

The virus can spread through airborne droplets or contact with secretions from the nose or throat and contaminated surfaces and objects that can last up to two hours.

Measles outbreaks have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and the United States.

Measles outbreak: active public exposure sites in Victoria

Thursday, December 19, 2024: from 11:27 to 12:45

The Links Shopping Centre, specifically Woolworths 1041 Center Rd, Oakleigh South, VIC, 3167

Thursday, December 19, 2024: 12:15 to 12:50

Friendly Grocery Store 75 Macie Rd, Bentleigh East, VIC, 3165

Thursday, December 19, 2024: 12:20 to 12:55

Supreme Bakehouse 83 Mackie Rd, Bentleigh East, VIC, 3165

Friday, December 27, 2024: 7:20 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.

Bunnings Cranbourne 1205 Thomsons Road (corner of South Gippsland Highway), Cranbourne, VIC, 3977

Friday, December 27 and Saturday, December 28, 2024

Vietnam Airlines Flight VN781 from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne

Departure: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, December 27 at 9:32 p.m.

Arrival: Melbourne International Airport, December 28 at 9:42 am

Saturday, December 28, 2024: from 9:42 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Melbourne Airport International Arrivals, Terminal 2, Tullamarine, VIC, 3045

Saturday December 28, 2024: 11:30 to 12:40

Cranbourne North Chemical Warehouse

180S William Thwaites Blvd, Cranbourne North, VIC 3977

*Fountain: Victorian Department of Health

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