By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
A measles alert has been issued in south Brisbane as a passenger on a Virgin Airlines was diagnosed with the contagious viral disease.
Queensland Health reports people who arrived in Brisbane on Virgin Airlines flight VA 1397 from Adelaide on the evening of Friday 28 June and who were at the Brisbane Domestic Airport between 5pm and 6pm are urged to be alert for symptoms of measles.
The case is a female who lives in the West Moreton area.
Metro South Health public health physician, Dr Satyamurthy Anuradha (Dr Anu) said people who had been at these locations during those times needed to be alert for symptoms and should seek medical advice early if they develop symptoms.
“Measles is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, tiredness and sore, red eyes. This is followed by a blotchy red rash, which often starts on the face before becoming widespread,” Dr Anu said.
“Symptoms usually start around 7 to 10 days after contact with a person with measles but sometimes longer, so anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next fortnight should contact their GP for advice.
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“If people are adequately vaccinated with two recorded doses of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, they are very unlikely to get the disease. Those who are unsure or have concerns about their immunity to measles should contact their doctor to check whether they have had two doses of the vaccine.
“It is very important to call the medical practice first to say you could have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others,” Dr Anu said.
Measles can make people very unwell and although complications are uncommon, they can be very serious. Approximately 30% of adults with measles will be hospitalised.
Queensland Health offers free vaccines to anyone born during or since 1966, who has not had two documented doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or had proven measles.
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