Two more cases of measles have been identified in Melbourne as health officials scramble to identify any possible exposure sites.
A total of three cases of the highly-infectious virus have been identified in returned overseas travellers across the state, while a case has also been reported in NSW.
On Saturday, Victoria’s Department of Health issued an alert containing nine new exposure sites which were visited by confirmed measles cases while they were infectious.
The list (complete list below) has now been expanded to Costco Ringwood, DFO South Wharf, Docklands Park Playground, and Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium.
On Saturday, Victoria’s Department of Health issued an alert containing nine new exposure sites which were visited by confirmed measles cases while they were infectious, including Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium (pictured)
People who frequented these locations at the specified times from January 22 to January 23 have been asked to be on the lookout for symptoms 18 days after they were possibly exposed.
Victoria’s acting chief health officer Christian McGrath asked anyone who develops symptoms, like fever, fatigue, and sore red eyes, to seek medical care.
Patients usually develop a non-itchy rash that begins on their face and spreads down their body about 14 days after exposure.
“Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others,” said Dr McGrath.
“Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who were overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.”
People who think they could have measles are advised to isolate, and notify Department of Health or relevant Local Public Health Unit immediately by calling 1300 651 160.
The highly contagious disease can cause severe complications like encephalitis, pneumonia, ear infections and severe diarrhoea.
3D objects of measles Vviruses in abstract plasma with blood cells
Public exposure sites across Melbourne:
Bay City Auto Group (and associated construction site) – 140 Dandenong Rd West, Frankston, VIC 3199 – January 17 (6am to 3pm), January 18 (6am to 3pm), January 19 (6am to 3pm)
Box Hill Action Indoor Sports – 9 Clarice Road, Box Hill, VIC 3128 – January 17 (7.30pm to 9.30pm)
Costco Ringwood – 29 Bond Street, Ringwood – Monday January 22 (5.30pm to 7.20pm)
DFO South Wharf – shopping centre and carpark – 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf – Tuesday, January 23 (12pm to 12.45pm)
Docklands Park Playground – 1-47 Harbour Esplanade – Tuesday, January 23 (12.15pm to 12.30pm)
Collins Square Food Court – 727 Collins Street, Docklands – Tuesday, January 23 (12.40pm to 1.40pm)
Tram 48 to North Balwyn from Stop 1 Spencer St/Collins St to Stop 5 – Elizabeth St/Collins St #5 – Tuesday, January 23 (1.10pm to 1.40pm)
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 – Tuesday, January 23 (1.40pm to 3.35pm)
Melbourne River Cruises 4pm departure – Berth 2, Federation Wharf, Princes Walk, Melbourne – Tuesday, January 23 (3.30pm to 5.30pm)
Tram 70 to Waterfront City Docklands – From Stop 6 Russell Street/Flinders Street to Stop D6-Victoria Police Centre/Flinders St – Tuesday, January 23 (5.30pm to 6pm)
DFO South Wharf – carpark only – 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf – Tuesday, January 23 (5.40pm to 6.20pm)