Health authorities have issued a measles warning after an infected man spent Boxing Day at Melbourne's biggest shopping centre, coming into contact with thousands of people.
The 21-year-old man is recovering from the highly contagious virus, which he likely contracted last month while attending a NSW dance competition.
Victorian officials issued a health alert on Friday after discovering he also spent three hours walking around Chadstone Shopping Centre during the middle of the Boxing Day rush.
Victoria's chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester says anyone who has symptoms of measles should contact their GP or emergency department.
Dr Lester said measles could cause serious illnesses and require hospitalisation, especially among children.
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"People can develop pneumonia and other serious complications from the disease," she said.
The symptoms of measles usually look like a common cold with a fever, sore throat and coughing.
A rash usually develops within a week of the first symptoms, starting on a person's face before spreading elsewhere.
While many Australians are vaccinated against measles, Dr Lester said many adults between aged between 33 and 47 had not been vaccinated.
Children who have not yet been vaccinated and those with decreased immunity due to diseases such as cancer are also at risk.
