Lorne, Wye River among sites listed in new measles alert

A fresh measles alert has been issued for Victoria after new public exposure sites were identified along the Great Ocean Road, including in Lorne.

The alert was issued by acting chief health officer Dr Evelyn Wong after two new measles cases were confirmed in overseas travellers returning from South-East and South Asia.

The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed measles infections in Victoria to four in the first month of 2026.

Health authorities have confirmed several exposure sites are linked to popular tourist locations and business along the Great Ocean Road corridor.

Anyone who attended a listed exposure site during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after their visit and follow public health advice.

Great Ocean Road exposure sites

• Lorne Visitor Information Centre at 15 Mountjoy Parad on Wednesday, January 28 between 12.30pm and 2pm
• Wye River Beachfront Campground on Tuesday, January 27 between 1pm and 8.30pm, and Wednesday, January 28 between 7am and 8.30pm
• Bimbi Park Cape Otway at 90 Manna Gum Drive between Sunday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 27
• Cape Otway Lightstation on Monday, January 26 between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, and
• Foodworks Apollo Bay in Hardy Street on Saturday, January 24 between 8.10pm and 9.20pm, and Tuesday, January 27 between 10.45am and 12.15pm
• Wild Dog Home Hardware at 41-45 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay on Tuesday, January 27 between 11.45am and 12.45pm
• Casalingo Restaurant at 1 Moore Street in Apollo Bay on Saturday, January 24 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, and
• The Great Ocean Road Health Apollo Bay urgent care centre in McLachlan Street on Saturday, January 24 between 5.30pm and 7.15pm.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through airborne droplets and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

Early symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and sore or red eyes, followed by a red rash that typically starts on the face before spreading down the body.

The Department of Health has warned there remains an ongoing risk of measles being imported into Victoria as people return from overseas and interstate travel.

People who are not fully vaccinated are at greater risk, particularly those born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles is urged to seek medical care, call ahead before attending a health service and wear a face mask.

See the full list of exposure sites here.