Hello!

13 Comments

There is an active measles outbreak in Melbourne’s inner north, with the number of people affected more than doubled in recent weeks.

Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services has received reports of five new cases of the highly contagious virus, which brings the tally of those affected by the outbreak to nine.

Three women and two men all aged in their 20s and 30s are included in these numbers.  A health spokesman has told the ABC, that two of these patients have had to be hospitalised as their condition is quite serious.

Image source: Instagram.
Image source: Instagram.

The current outbreak started two weeks ago, when four cases of measles were confirmed in Brunswick and East Brunswick.  Dr Roscoe Taylor,  Victoria’s acting Chief Health Officer, cautioned against complacency and making assumptions that other areas of Melbourne were not affected.

“We are concerned that more people may have been infected from coming into contact with these people in the community,” Dr Taylor said. “Measles has an incubation period of up to 18 days so illness acquired from contact could still be coming through, and cases could still remain infectious for many days.”

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause serious illness that can require hospitalisation.  Young children, the elderly and those unimmunised are particularly at risk of the disease.

Measles itself is considered rare in Australia, due to the measles vaccine most of the population receive.   However, the infection can be brought in by overseas travellers.

Dr Taylor said measles usually begins with common cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, red eyes and a cough. A distinctive measles rash usually begins 3-7 days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.

“Anyone developing these symptoms is advised to ring ahead to their doctor or hospital and alert them that they have fever and a rash,” he said. “If you know you have been in contact with a measles case please alert your GP or hospital emergency department. The doctor or hospital will then be able to provide treatment in a way that minimises transmission.”


Image Source: Instagram

 

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • This just highlights important of immunisation and how few can put larger population at risk.

    Reply

  • How scary! Poor kids, they have no say in whether they’re vaccinated or not.

    Reply

  • yes vax’! i’m all for protecting our kids!

    Reply

  • Its crazy not to immunise these days. Viruses can spread so easily.

    Reply

  • I hope people now understand the importance of vaccinating, not just to protect their own children but to also protect the wider community.

    Reply

  • Measles can be such a bad and serious illness! I don’t understand why there are still people that don’t vaccinate their kids!!

    Reply

  • Another reason to vaccinate. I hope everyone infected during this outbreak fully recovers.

    Reply

  • Another reason to fully utilise the immunisation program available in Australia. Scary.

    Reply

  • Lke bg

    Reply

  • Thank god for vaccinations. I and my children have had measles and I wouldn’t wish it anyone. Hope those infected recover quickly.

    Reply

  • It is particularly important to let your G.P. know before arrival so other patients are protected.

    Reply

  • So scary! Please immunise!

    Reply

  • I did hear this in the news. It’s not good

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join