SYDNEY, July 3 (Xinhua) — Authorities issued an urgent health alert on Wednesday after a new case of measles was reported in the Australian state of Victoria.
The Victorian Department of Health confirmed that the case was identified in a returned overseas traveler, who appeared at multiple public sites in the state whilst infectious.
The infected patient arrived at Melbourne International Airport on June 25 from Singapore before visiting Colac, Warrnambool, and Port Campbell.
Locations listed in the statement included a fast-food restaurant, a hotel and several shops.
There have now been 11 cases of measles reported in Victoria since Jan. 1, 2024, said the health department.
Local communities were warned of the potential exposure to measles due to any overseas travel.
The authority noted that measles outbreaks have been recently reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have traveled overseas or visited any of the sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles, the department added, urging anyone who presents with measles-related symptoms to get tested.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, and even death.
In November last year, the World Health Organisation rang the alarm of a rising measles threat worldwide.
