Health Alert: Update for measles alert

10 August, 2016

Issued to: General practitioners and hospital emergency departments
 
Key messages

  • There are four confirmed cases of measles in Victoria, none of whom have travelled internationally and who all appear to have locally acquired infection.
  • There is a risk of exposure to measles across metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria. Three of the cases were in the central business district of Melbourne between 10 – 13 June and this may represent the source of infection for those people. There are many other areas across metropolitan Melbourne where infections may have been acquired, and individuals have attended a range of public settings across Melbourne and in regional Victoria whilst infectious, including Shepparton.
  • Be alert for measles in patients presenting with a fever at rash onset, particularly if they are not fully vaccinated (two measles containing vaccines) or are uncertain of their vaccine status.
  • Isolate suspected cases to minimise the risk of transmission within your department/practice.
  • Notify the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section at the Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 651 160 of suspected cases immediately.
  • Take blood for measles serology in all suspected cases.
  • Discuss whether to take nose and throat swabs for PCR with the Department if your suspicion for measles is high. Approval is required prior to PCR testing at the reference laboratory. PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate.

 
More information
For the latest information about this issue see Update: Measles alert