A string of new Victorian measles outbreaks have been noted as cases of the disease have been diagnosed around several locations across the city, including popular celebrity chef George Calombaris’ Hellenic Republic in Brighton, at Terminal 3 of Melbourne Airport towards the end of last month and at Futsal Oz Stadium in Thomastown.
Authorities urge people who were around the following areas to be on the alert for symptoms:
- commuters who travelled from Port Melbourne to the CBD on the 109 tram route from 3 December to 5 December;
- those who were at Futsal Oz in Thomastown on Friday, 22 November, between 10pm and midnight;
- diners at The Hellenic Republic in Brighton at any time on 29 November;
- anyone aboard the Virgin Australia flight VA322 which left Brisbane on 30 November at 9.55am and arrived in Melbourne at 1.30 pm;
- passengers who passed through Terminal 3 at Melbourne Airport on 30 November between 1.30pm and 2.45 pm.
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So far, there have been nine cases of measles diagnosed in Victoria over the last fortnight, whereas this year’s tally brings the figure up to 56 people.
The infection spreads by respiratory droplets produced from coughing and can be dangerous when there are complications that could lead to pneumonia and other serious illness.
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Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has warned Melburnians travelling abroad during the Christmas holiday season to ensure that they are vaccinated, even if they are not sure of their previous vaccination history.