Daijiworld Media Network- Melbourne

Melbourne, Apr 29: Health authorities in Victoria have sounded an urgent measles alert after a surge in infections across the Australian state, warning of an increased risk particularly in greater Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire region.

The Victorian Department of Health confirmed on Friday that 22 measles cases have already been reported in 2025 – exceeding the combined total for the years 2023 and 2024. A majority of the recent cases have been acquired locally, highlighting gaps in vaccination coverage.

The latest case involves a traveller who contracted the virus while visiting Pakistan and was infectious during a flight from Dubai to Melbourne on April 24.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Tarun Weeramanthri, expressed concern over the rising trend, stating, “A growing number of measles cases have acquired their infection locally in Victoria. Most of the recent cases were in people who have not received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.”

He also warned of a continuing risk of imported infections, with rising global measles outbreaks contributing to the state’s vulnerability.

Health authorities are urging anyone who spent time in greater Melbourne or Mitchell Shire from early April to be vigilant for measles symptoms, which include fever, cough, general malaise, and a facial rash that spreads across the body.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported over 107,000 measles deaths globally in 2023, primarily among unvaccinated children under five. In Australia, MMR vaccine coverage has dropped below the critical 95% threshold since the COVID-19 pandemic – a worrying trend given the highly contagious nature of measles.

The MMR vaccine remains available free of charge across Australia for anyone without two documented doses.