Confirmed measles case in Melbourne
Status: Active
Date issued: 9 March 2018
Key messages- There has been one confirmed case of measles in Melbourne, with the infection likely to have been acquired overseas.
- The case was infectious whilst at a number of places across Melbourne between 3 March and 7 March including Flinders Street Station and around the CBD, as well as Phillip Island and multiple sites along the Great Ocean Road between Geelong and Warnambool.
- Be alert for measles in patients presenting with a fever at rash onset, particularly if they attended any of the places listed.
- Notify the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section at the Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 651 160 of suspected cases immediately.
- Manage suspected cases in the GP setting if appropriate and avoid sending to a hospital emergency department unless the patient is severe enough to warrant admission to hospital. Isolate suspected cases to minimise the risk of transmission within your department/practice.
- 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.
Read the full alert: Confirmed Measles case in Melbourne
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