Health alert issued after Geelong measles case

Health authorities are urging Geelong residents to get vaccinated, after a new measles case was confirmed in the region.

The infection was detected in an adult who is believed to have contracted the disease overseas while travelling to India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

According to the list of exposure sites released by the Department of Health, they arrived at Tullamarine Airport on Vietnam Airlines flight 781 from Ho Chi Minh City between October 13 and 14.

On Wednesday, October 15 between 12 noon and 9pm, they visited Aldi Corio before presenting to Barwon Health’s Norlane urgent care centre on Sunday, October 19 between 6pm and 7pm.

They then presented to the emergency department at University Hospital Geelong on Monday between 2.30pm and 11.35pm.

Anyone who has visited an exposure site during the dates and times specified is advised to monitor for measles symptoms until the first week of November.

These symptoms, which can develop between 7 and 18 days after exposure, can include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, followed by a red rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.

If symptoms do develop, people are advised to seek medical care.

Those born during or after 1966, and who haven’t had two doses of the measles vaccine, and those who aren’t sure if they are fully vaccinated against measles, are also advised to speak to a GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Barwon Health has confirmed its vaccination centre in Belmont is available to those requiring urgent vaccinations.

The health alert, issued by Dr Caroline McElnay, Victoria’s chief health officer, warns there is an ongoing risk of measles among returning travellers.

Anyone planning an overseas trip is also urged to make sure they are fully protected with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least two weeks before departure.

See the full list of exposure sites here.