Australian States Issue Measles Alert and Urge Uptake of the Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the United States has the most measles cases in 20 years. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Multiple Australian states have issued measles alerts on the same day, urging uptake of the vaccine as cases appear in the community.

The New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, Victorian, and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) governments all issued warnings on Jan. 24 and urged uptake of the vaccine.

This comes as the United Nations also put out an alert on Jan. 24, warning of an “alarming” rise of measles cases in Europe and stating that “vaccination is the only way to protect children.”

In Sydney, a confirmed case of measles travelled via Sydney airport to the Australian Capital Territory while in NSW on Jan. 20.

NSW Health urged people at Sydney Terminal One international arrivals in the morning on Jan. 20 to monitor for symptoms.

In addition, those travelling on Air India Flight 302 from Delhi to Sydney arriving on Jan. 20 at 8.10am, along with those on a Murrays Sydney to Canberra express bus departing at 10.30am on the same day, to check for symptoms.

Case Detected Around Melbourne

Victoria issued a health alert about a new case of measles identified in a returned overseas traveller who visited exposure sites in Melbourne from Jan. 17, 2024.

“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis),” the department said.

“Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health.”

The individual visited a number of sites, including Bay City Auto Group and Bay City Auto Group, and were urged to monitor for symptoms until early February.

Meanwhile, in the ACT, the health department released a statement advising Canberrans to “check their vaccination status” after the confirmed case in the territory.

The department said there had been no further linked cases, but ACT Health identified and contacted people who had potentially been in contact with the individual.

“As part of our investigations, we are following up on identified contacts in line with national guidelines,” Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerryn Coleman said.

“The people we have contacted are being asked to remain alert for signs and symptoms of measles and to make sure they have been vaccinated or get vaccinated as soon as possible for the best protection.”

In Queensland, the department alerted the public to a case on Brisbane’s southside on Jan. 8.

The individual visited multiple locations including Subway and Coles at The Village in Upper Mount Gravatt, the Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse in Mount Gravatt on Jan. 22 and the emergency department at Princess Alexandra Hospital on the same day.

Symptoms of measles can include a red blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body, fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, NSW Health said.

Health Departments Push Vaccine Uptake for Measles

Symptoms can appear seven to 18 days after exposure, according to NSW Health Communicable Diseases Branch director Dr. Christine Selvey.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is very infectious,” she said in a statement.

“Anyone born during or after 1966 needs to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine, this is particularly important prior to overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

The Victorian Health Department echoed these calls, saying anyone born since 1966 who does not have “documented evidence” of receiving two doses of measles-containing vaccine or immunity is at risk of measles.

“Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. Young infants, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles,” the department said.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is available for free.”

Meanwhile, Queensland Health Metro South public health physician Dr. Mark Stickley said if people are “adequately vaccinated” with two recorded doses of MMR vaccine, they are unlikely to get the disease.

“People who are unsure or have concerns about their immunity to measles should contact their doctor to check whether they have had both vaccines,” he said.

The ACT’s chief health officer Dr. Coleman also encouraged everyone to review their vaccination records.

“Two doses of Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine are required for immunity against measles and are given to children in Australia at 12 and 18 months of age,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to check their vaccination history using the MyGov app. If you’re not sure if you’ve received two doses of the vaccine, there’s no harm in getting a third dose to make sure you have the best protection from measles.”

UN Warns COVID-19 Diverted Measles Vaccinations

The United Nations also released a statement on Jan. 24, warning there were 42,200 measles cases in 41 member states in Europe in 2023, up from 941 in 2022.

WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, said, “Urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt transmission and prevent further spread.”

The WHO said the COVID-19 pandemic meant many children missed out on measles vaccinations, as resources were diverted to COVID-19.

U.S. and UK health authorities have also issued alerts on measles outbreaks in recent days.

Health authorities in the UK warned further outbreaks of measles will spread unless “urgent action” is taken to increase vaccination uptake.

The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an email alert to clinicians urging providers to be alert for patients who have fevers and rashes and have travelled abroad.