2 Cases of Measles Detected in Victoria, Outbreak Declared

Two local cases who visited a large number of exposure sites have been identified in the state. They have not travelled overseas.

In this photo illustration, vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Two people in the Australian state of Victoria have caught measles, prompting the state’s health department to declare a local outbreak of measles.

Measles can cause a large rash on the neck and shoulders and there have been reported deaths from the virus in other countries.

The two individuals in Victoria had no links to recent cases or history of overseas travel but were infectious at a large number of locations in greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne.

“This means there is now local transmission of measles in the community,” the Victorian department of health said.

Health officials have unveiled a large list of exposure sites requiring monitoring for symptoms during March including supermarkets, chemists, hospital emergency departments, pizza joints, and swimming pools.

Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri warned anyone who developed symptoms of measles to get medical care and test for the virus.

“Wear a face mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others,” he said.

In 2025 to date, eight cases in Victoria have been detected. Multiple populations in Victoria are at risk of measles, including the immunocompromised, babies under 12 months and adults born between 1966 and 1992.

Health professionals have been advised to stay alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, especially those who had recently come back from overseas.

“Clinicians should also consider measles in people with compatible symptoms who have spent time in metropolitan Melbourne in the prior seven to 18 days,” the department said.

“Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately.”

Victoria Health warned that measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation.

“Any overseas travel could also lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries and regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the USA,” the health department said.

How Do You Know If You Have Measles?

Measles symptoms include a red maculopapular rash, high fever often above 40 degrees Celsius, dry and persistent cough, sore or red eyes, fatigue and loss of appetite.

“The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between seven to 18 days after exposure,” the Victorian health department said.

The early symptoms of measles can appear close to those of COVID-19 and influenza, before a rash is developed.

“People with measles are considered infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until four days after the rash appears,” Weeramanthri said.

“Anyone who attended a listed exposure site and is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the  measles-mumps-rubella vaccine if they present within 72 hours (three days) of exposure.”

Texas Outbreak

Meanwhile, in the U.S. state of Texas, at least 146 cases have been identified since late January and 20 patients have been sent to hospital.

The Texas Department of State Health and Human Services (DSHS) warned the public about the potential spread of the disease as they continue monitoring the outbreak.

“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak,” the state health department said.

New U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a heartfelt message to the families impacted by the outbreak on March 1 on X.

“My heart goes out to the families impacted by the current measles outbreak in TX. I recognize the serious impact of this outbreak on families, children, and healthcare workers,” he said.

Kennedy said the department had supported Texas via technical assistance and vaccines, along with lab support to better track the virus.

“We will continue to fund Texas’ immunization program. Ending the measles outbreak is a top priority for me and my extraordinary team at HHS,” he said.