The first case of measles in more than two years has been recorded in Victoria, with exposure sites across two states.

A woman in her 30s was diagnosed with the highly contagious disease after returning from travelling in the UK and Italy. She was unknowingly infectious while travelling through NSW and Victoria during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

It’s the first reported case of measles in Victoria since March 2020. Authorities say any international travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks currently reported in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Health authorities have released a list of exposure sites across the two states, including service stations and a pub in the Albury region.

The case spent two hours in a busy pub in Albury and visited a service station on Sunday 12 June of the long weekend, when many people from out of town would have been passing through.

There are concerns that people who may have spent time in the Albury region over the recent long weekend may have been exposed, before travelling onto other places in NSW.

The locations do not pose an ongoing risk but those who attended the following venues on Sunday 12 June are asked to watch for measles symptoms now and over the coming days and weeks, as it can take almost three weeks for symptoms to appear:

• Culcairn Ampol service station, Olympic Highway, Culcairn, Sunday 12 June, 12pm to 12.35pm
• Astor Hotel, 641 Young Street, Albury, Sunday 12 June, 12.30pm to 3pm

People who were at Geelong’s Justin Lane restaurant in Victoria between 12.30-3pm on Monday or in the food court at DFO Southwharf in Melbourne between 12.20-1.05pm on Tuesday are also advised to be vigilant for measles symptoms.

NSW Health is urging residents to make sure they’re fully protected against the measles.

“While this is the first measles case to visit NSW for two years, it shows just how important it is for everyone to make sure they have had two measles shots,” said Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director, Health Protection, NSW Health.

“Many adults born during or after 1966 have only had one dose of measles vaccine. Anyone unsure of their vaccination history should see their GP for another dose, which is free of charge.”

Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms of measles is being urged to be tested and notify their relevant health department.

Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms include fever, severe cough, conjunctivitis and a rash that usually starts on the face. The initial symptoms may be similar to those of Covid and the flu. Measles is highly infectious and can stay in the environment for up to two hours.

People at high risk of measles complications include:

• children from birth to 11 months (who are too young for routine measles vaccination)
• pregnant women who haven’t had measles vaccination
• people with a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment.

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