Northern Health has urged people to ensure they are immunised against measles.
A hospital spokeswoman said two confirmed cases of the highly contagious virus had presented at the emergency department in the past month, requiring isolation to prevent it spreading.
Hospital chief executive Janet Compton urged families to ensure that members, especially women planning to become pregnant and children, were vaccinated by their GP.
“The health safety of the northern community is our top priority and I urge everyone to ensure their immunisations are current, especially for children under five,” she said.
Ms Compton said measles was the fifth-leading cause of illness and death in children worldwide.
Symptoms include fever, a cough, runny nose and sore eyes, usually starting seven to 14 days after exposure, followed by a red, blotchy rash two to four days after that.
Ms Compton said people infected with measles could pass it on in the four or five days before the rash appeared, and for days afterwards.
“The measles virus is highly contagious and may result in serious and potentially fatal complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, respiratory infections and, if pregnant, heightened risk of miscarriage or premature labour,” she said.
Australian children typically receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination at 12 months, with a secondary booster vaccine at 18 months.
State chief health officer Rosemary Lester warned measles could be fatal.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles,” Dr Lester said. “Ninety-nine per cent of people who receive the recommended two doses of measles vaccine will be immune.”
There were 35 confirmed cases in Victoria to May this year.
The vaccine is available from GPs or travel doctors and is free for children.
