A new case of measles has been reported in a returned overseas traveller who transited through Melbourne Airport while infectious. This is in addition to the case that transited through Melbourne Airport last week.
The case arrived on flight SQ217 from Singapore to Melbourne on 19 February at 9:40pm and transited through Melbourne Airport’s T2 international terminal between 9:40pm and 11:10pm.
People who were on this flight or at Melbourne Airport during these times should monitor for symptoms of measles.
| Date | Time | Location | Monitor for onset of symptoms up to |
| Wednesday, 14 February 2024 | Departed: Dubai Airport, 14 February at 2:55am Arrived: Melbourne Airport, Wednesday 14 February at 10:50pm | Emirates Flight EK408 from Dubai to Melbourne | Sunday, 3 March 2024 |
| Wednesday 14 – Thursday 15 February 2024 | 10:50pm to 00:20am | Melbourne Airport – International Arrivals, Terminal 2, Tullamarine, VIC 3045 | Sunday, 3 March 2024 |
| Thursday 15 February 2024 | 1:30pm to 2:35pm | Melbourne Airport – Domestic Departures, Terminal 1, Tullamarine, VIC 3045 | Monday, 4 March 2024 |
| Monday 19 February 2024 | Departed: Singapore Airport, 19 February at 11:05am Arrived: Melbourne Airport, 19 February at 9:40pm | Singapore Airlines Flight SQ217 from Singapore to Melbourne | Friday, 8 March 2024 |
| Monday 19 February 2024 | 9:40pm to 11:10pm | Melbourne Airport – International Arrivals, Terminal 2, Tullamarine, VIC 3045 | Friday, 8 March 2024 |
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads quickly with close contact, especially in those who are not fully vaccinated. Young children and adults with weakened immune systems are the most at risk of serious illness.
The illness usually begins with common cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed by fever and a rash. The characteristic rash usually begins 3-4 days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.
People who attended these sites are urged monitor for symptoms, seek medical care if they develop symptoms, and to wear a mask and call ahead to ensure they can be isolated from others.
Overseas travel remains a significant risk factor for anyone not fully vaccinated and vulnerable to the disease, with the recent Victorian cases having returned from overseas.
“If you have been to one of the exposure sites, you must monitor for symptoms for 18 days. Symptoms usually start to appear after a week. If any symptoms develop, you should seek immediate medical attention” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker said.
“Please call ahead before arriving at a medical facility, so that they can see you in isolation from other patients.”
Recent cases of measles have been identified in people who are not fully immunised against measles and who have travelled overseas or been in contact with returned overseas travelers. Measles is rare in Australia, thanks to widespread high vaccination rates.
“Any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles at the current time; that is why we are emphasising the importance of being vaccinated against this disease” Dr Looker said.
“Measles outbreaks have recently been reported across the globe and anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they have received appropriate vaccinations, including an MMR vaccine if they don’t have a history of two previous MMR vaccinations,” Dr Looker added.
Additional information is also available on Better Health Channel.External Link
