A health alert has been issued for Melbourne’s north-west following a confirmed case of measles in an 11-month-old Greenvale baby.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Rosemary Lester, warned the baby’s infection could lead to further cases as the mother and baby frequented shopping centres, playgroups and cafes all over Melbourne while he was infectious but not displaying symptoms.
“The department has identified a number of children who attended playgroups with this child and provide advice to the families involved,” Dr Lester said.
“We are asking people who develop measles-like symptoms between September 5 and 21 to seek medical advice.”
The illness usually begins with common cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, red eyes and a cough. The characteristic measles rash usually begins between two and five days after the first symptoms. It tends to start on the face and spread to the rest of the body.
The mother and child visited these locations while he was infectious: Jump’n Jiggle Children’s Activity and Play Centre in Tullamarine, Victoria Gardens shopping centre in Richmond, Hammer and Tong Restaurant in Fitzroy, Sitka Foodstore and Café in Macedon, Craigieburn Plaza shopping centre, Highpoint shopping centre in Maribyrnong, Westfield shopping centre in Airport West, St John’s Uniting Church Hall Essendon, Chemist Warehouse Greenvale and La Porchetta Craigieburn.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious illness, particularly in young children and adults. Infection often leads to hospitalisation.
Dr Lester advised people developing symptoms or who have been in contact with a measles case to alert their GP or hospital emergency department.
In the National Immunisation Program, measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is recommended as a two-dose schedule for children aged 12 months to four years old.
