Passengers who flew from Dubai to Melbourne last Thursday have been warned that a fellow passenger has an "extremely infectious" case of the measles.

Travellers who were at the international baggage collection area have been advised to tell their doctor if they fall ill between now and the end of the month.

The flight – Emirates EK404 – left Dubai on Wednesday, January 10 at 9.20am and stopped in Singapore before arriving at Tullamarine on Thursday, January 11 around 9am.



The sick passenger was onboard Emirates flight EK404 which departed Dubai on Wednesday January 10. Bloomberg



“People who were at Melbourne Airport last Thursday (between approximately 9am and midday), particularly around the international baggage collection area, who develop illness over the next week should alert their doctor or hospital emergency department,” Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton said.

An Australian man in his 30s became unwell on the flight, and after a short stop at home went to hospital where the illness was diagnosed, the Department of Health and Human Services said.



He has been isolated from other patients.

Measles has an incubation period of seven to 18 days, so fellow passengers may develop symptoms from Thursday until the end of the month.

The highly infectious viral disease can cause serious harm, particularly in very young children and adults.

People can develop pneumonia and other serious complications from the disease, and often need to be hospitalised, acccording to the health department.

Measles has an incubation period of seven to 18 days, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Supplied

The illness usually begins with common cold symptoms such as runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed by fever and rash, Dr Sutton said.

“The characteristic measles rash usually begins 3-7 days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body,” he said.

The department confirmed it was working with airline officials to identify and contact other passengers on the flight.

Anyone developing symptoms that could be related to measles is advised to ring their GP or hospital before arrival to reduce the risk of contact with other patients.

“Tell them that they have fever and a rash so that appropriate steps can be taken," said Dr Sutton.

Measles is now uncommon in Australia because of the widespread use of the measles vaccine. The health department warned that anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk.

"Adults aged between 26 and 52 have lower immunisation coverage than younger adults and children and therefore most cases are in this age group," said Dr Sutton.

"Most people over the age of 52 will have been exposed to measles in childhood, and therefore will be protected."

Dr Sutton said most cases of measles in Victoria were linked to international travel, with the disease more prevalent in many countries overseas, especially in Bali at present.

The measles vaccine is currently recommended on the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and again at 18 months.

Further information about measles can be found at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles