Measles exposure sites identified in Gippsland

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) is advising the community of three new measles cases reported in Victoria, with three measles exposure sites identified in Gippsland, all within Bass Coast.

Including

Koo Wee Rup Medical Centre on Thursday January 29 from 2.30pm till 4.30 pm.

Koala Conservation Reserve Rhyll on Friday January 30 from 10.15 am to 12.15pm and

San Remo Pelican Feeding @ San Remo on Friday Jan 30 from 12 pm – 12.40 pm.

Anyone who visited one of the listed exposure sites during the specified dates and times is urged to monitor for symptoms and follow public health advice.

 The most up-to-date list of measles exposure sites is available on the Victorian Department of Health website https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/measles-public-exposure-sites-victoria.

Symptoms of measles can include:

· Fever

· Cough or runny nose

· Sore or red eyes

· A red rash (usually appearing a few days later)

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit Director, Dr Alyce Wilson, said measles remained an ongoing risk in Victoria and globally.

“We are seeing an increase in measles cases both in Australia and overseas, largely due to reduced vaccination coverage in recent years and increased international travel,” she explained. “Measles is a highly contagious virus, and even a single case can lead to multiple exposures, particularly in community settings.”

Dr Wilson said public health units played a critical role in identifying exposure sites, providing advice to affected individuals, and preventing further transmission.

“Public health authorities have long been responsible for contact tracing and outbreak management - well before COVID-19,” she said. “What has changed is public awareness of this work. Our role is to identify risk early, notify the community, and support people with clear advice so we can limit the spread of disease and protect those most at risk.”

Dr Wilson encouraged the community to check their vaccination status, particularly adults aged 20 to 59, who may have received only one measles vaccine dose as a child.

“Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed for full protection,” she said. “If you’re unsure how many doses you’ve had, it is safe to receive another MMR vaccine.”

The GRPHU, with the support of the Department of Health, is providing free measles vaccinations at participating local council immunisation clinics and pharmacies. Eligible people can book at https://lrh.com.au/gippsland-region-public-health-unit/free-measles-vaccines/.

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for anyone who is planning to travel. Routine vaccinations, including MMR, should be up to date, with vaccination ideally completed at least two weeks before departure.