Melbourne hit by measles outbreak
Three confirmed cases of measles have been discovered in Melbourne, sparking health warnings for Victorians who may have been exposed to the highly infectious disease.
Two patients were infectious between September 6 and September 13, when they visited train stations between Armadale and Southern Cross, and visited Collins St in the CBD, Chadstone shopping centre, IKEA Richmond and Ballarat.
Meanwhile, a third person contracted measles in Romania and was infectious while in transit on September 12, when they flew on QR222 from Bucharest to Doha and on QR904 from Doha to Melbourne, the Victorian health department said on Tuesday.
Southern Cross Station is one of various Melbourne hot spots that the infected people visited.
The state’s Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton, has warned Victorians to be alert to possible signs of illness.
“People who attended these locations between September 6 and September 13 may be at risk of developing measles,” Dr Sutton said.
“The source of the infection is unknown at this point. This means there may already be secondary cases in the community which have not been diagnosed."
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, red eyes, coughing and a rash.
Anyone who notices any signs should contact the health department.
