Mackay Hospital and Health Service is urgently trying to contact people in the Whitsundays and Mackay who have been exposed to an infectious case of measles. Public Health Physician Dr Stephen Donohue said an adult male visiting from overseas had contact with extended family, friends and in the community while he was infectious.

Measles rash Image/CDC
Measles rash
Image/CDC

A large number of people at a Whitsundays resort for a wedding have also been exposed.

A measles alert has been issued for people visiting the following areas:
• Friday 15 August: Montes Reef Resort Hydeaway Bay
• Friday 15 August and Saturday 16 August Cape Gloucester Beach Resort
Hydeaway Bay– all day and night
• Sunday 17 August: La Tabella Trattoria, Airlie Beach around 11am
• Tuesday 19 August, One Stop Centre Mackay 11am-12.05pm
• Wednesday 20 August: MIMS Clinic Mackay Mater Hospital, morning.

GPs and hospitals have been notified of the possibility of measles cases presenting. Dr Donohue said information had been sent to the venues with workers and patrons being contacted where possible.
“It is important to make clear that these businesses have not been responsible for causing any risk to public health,” Dr Donohue said.

“We appreciate the co-operation we have received from management of these establishments in facilitating follow-up of staff and vaccination as required.”

“Anyone who was in these areas and who has not been vaccinated against measles or who has not had two doses of a measles vaccination should ring their GP immediately.

“When phoning to make your appointment you should inform the practice that you may have measles, so that processes are in place to protect other patients from exposure,” Dr Donohue said.

Measles is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is easily spread. Symptoms of the measles usually appear in 7-21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye and a rash. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted from four days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the onset. Anyone who is not immunized and gets exposed to the disease has a high likelihood of getting ill. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.