Novel Measles Virus Genotype, East Timor and Australia

Abstract

Measles outbreaks in 1999 in Queensland and Victoria, Australia, were caused by a novel strain of clade G virus (proposed name g3). Epidemiologic and molecular evidence supports independent circulation of this virus in Queensland, northern Australia, in addition to importation of the virus by East Timor refugees seeking safe haven in Australia.

Keywords

• Australia
• East Timor
• Measles virus
• novel genotype g3
• refugees