Measles warning in Victoria and NSW as new cases linked to travel from Bali and other Asian destinations

Health authorities in Victoria and New South Wales have issued fresh measles alerts following multiple confirmed cases in both states. The outbreaks are linked to international travel, with several exposure sites identified, including hospitals, nightclubs, shopping centres, and flights.

Five new measles cases have been detected in Victoria, bringing the state’s total to 13 so far in 2025. Three cases are linked to recent travel from Bali, while two others are connected to a local outbreak.

One case of the highly infectiousness disease was transmitted within a primary healthcare waiting room, according to Victoria’s health department.

Recent exposure sites in Melbourne include:

• Nightclubs on Chapel Street: Revolver Upstairs, ONESIXONE, and Somewhere Bar over the Labor Day long weekend.
• Shopping Centres and Hotels: Seven shops at Highpoint Shopping Centre, the Taylor’s Lakes Hotel, and fast food outlets in Mornington on March 7.
• Hospitals: Frankston Hospital’s emergency department (March 11-13) and Rosebud Hospital’s emergency department (March 11).

People who visited these locations are urged to monitor for symptoms, which can appear up to 18 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and rash, with severe cases potentially leading to pneumonia or brain inflammation.

Victoria’s health department noted that vaccination rates have been below the 95 per cent national target since the COVID-19 pandemic, with most recent cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for those born after 1966 and is particularly recommended for travellers to Southeast Asia.

NSW Health has confirmed a measles case in a person who recently returned from Southeast Asia, where outbreaks are ongoing in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. The individual was infectious while on an international flight and visited several locations in Sydney.

Potential exposure sites include:

• Monday, 10 March: Vietnam Airlines flight VN773 from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, and Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim (10 am – 12 pm).
• Thursday, 13 March: The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department waiting room (10:30am – 5pm).

South Western Sydney Local Health District’s Dr Mitchell Smith has urged anyone who was in these locations to monitor for symptoms until the end of March.

Smith emphasised that measles is an airborne disease spread through coughing and sneezing, and those who develop symptoms should call ahead before visiting their GP or hospital to avoid exposing others.

Vaccination Urged

Health officials in both states are urging Australians to check their measles vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months, and is also available for those born after 1965 who have not received two doses.

People planning international travel, especially to areas with active measles outbreaks, should ensure they are fully vaccinated. Infants under 12 months can receive their first dose earlier if travelling to high-risk areas.

Anyone uncertain about their vaccination history should seek an additional dose, as extra vaccinations are safe and effective. The MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for those over five years old.