Victoria is currently facing its most severe measles outbreak in a decade, with 23 cases reported in 2025 alone, surpassing the total from the previous year.

The majority of these recent cases are locally acquired, indicating a concerning rise in community transmission, as opposed to previous outbreaks that primarily involved returning travelers.

Contributing to this outbreak is vaccine hesitancy, which has been exacerbated by misinformation and the influence of public figures, leading to declining vaccination rates.

Vaccination rates in Victoria have dropped, with only 93% of two-year-olds receiving the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, falling short of the national target of 95%.

Health officials emphasize that measles is highly infectious and can lead to severe complications, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the importance of vaccination.

Recent cases have predominantly involved individuals who did not receive the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, underscoring the risks associated with being unvaccinated.

Dr. Anita Munoz expressed alarm over the resurgence of measles, a disease once considered largely eradicated, as it poses significant health risks.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially after the school holidays, since the incubation period for measles can extend up to 18 days.

On April 28, 2025, health authorities identified multiple exposure sites, including major public locations such as Melbourne International Airport and various supermarkets.

Specific exposure sites in Kilmore, located 60 km north of Melbourne, have been listed, prompting individuals who visited these locations during certain hours to monitor for symptoms.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, fatigue, and a characteristic red rash that typically begins on the face.

The outbreak was further fueled by an infected individual who traveled from Pakistan to Melbourne on April 24, 2025, prompting immediate health alerts.