Imagine strolling along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, soaking in the views, only to later discover you might have been exposed to measles. That's the stark reality for visitors to popular spots like Lorne and Wye River, now listed in a new health alert.
Victoria's acting Chief Health Officer, Dr. Evelyn Wong, has sounded the alarm after two overseas travelers, returning from South-East and South Asia, tested positive for measles. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Victoria to four in just the first month of 2026 – a worrying trend.
But here's where it gets concerning: Health authorities have identified several exposure sites along the iconic Great Ocean Road, frequented by both locals and tourists. These include:
- Lorne Visitor Information Centre: Wednesday, January 28 (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Wye River Beachfront Campground: Tuesday, January 27 (1:00 PM - 8:30 PM) and Wednesday, January 28 (7:00 AM - 8:30 PM)
- Bimbi Park Cape Otway: Sunday, January 25 - Tuesday, January 27
- Cape Otway Lightstation: Monday, January 26 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Foodworks Apollo Bay: Saturday, January 24 (8:10 PM - 9:20 PM) and Tuesday, January 27 (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)
- Wild Dog Home Hardware (Apollo Bay): Tuesday, January 27 (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)
- Casalingo Restaurant (Apollo Bay): Saturday, January 24 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
- Great Ocean Road Health Apollo Bay Urgent Care Centre: Saturday, January 24 (5:30 PM - 7:15 PM)
Measles is no ordinary cold. This highly contagious virus spreads through the air and can linger on surfaces for up to two hours. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. And this is the part most people miss: Even if you feel fine now, symptoms can appear up to 18 days after exposure.
The Department of Health emphasizes the ongoing risk of measles importation as international and interstate travel resumes. Those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are particularly vulnerable, especially individuals born between 1966 and 1992 who may not have received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
If you visited any of these locations during the specified times and develop symptoms, don't panic, but act responsibly. Call your doctor or healthcare provider ahead of time, wear a mask, and avoid public spaces to prevent further spread.
This outbreak raises important questions: Are we doing enough to promote vaccination, especially among those who may have missed out on doses in the past? How can we better educate travelers about the risks of bringing infectious diseases back home? Let’s use this as a moment to reflect on our collective responsibility for public health. Share your thoughts in the comments – how can we ensure everyone is protected against preventable diseases like measles?
