Brisbane: measles alert issued

Queensland Health has been notified of a diagnosed case of measles with possible contacts around Brisbane and potentially elsewhere.

The person with measles was infectious when he visited the following places:

• Little Sista café in Coorparoo on Sunday 1 March around lunchtime

• Jubilee Hotel in the Fortitude Valley on Tuesday 3 March in the evening

• On evening of Thursday 5 March: the Caxton Hotel, Hotel LA and the Bronco’s game at Suncorp stadium

• The Emporium, Fortitude Valley on Friday 6 March around lunchtime

• Kafé Me, Greenslopes Mall on Monday 9 March around lunchtime

Metro South Health (MSH) public health physician Dr Kari Jarvinen said residents visiting the premises above in particular needed to be alert for symptoms.

People who may have come into contact with the patient at the above facilities on the dates in question, who are uncertain of their immunity to measles should speak to their GP immediately.

Public health staff have already been contacting people known to have been in close contact with the case.

Dr Jarvinen said given the large numbers of people potentially exposed, further measles cases could present in Brisbane or elsewhere over the next few weeks.

“If people are adequately vaccinated with two recorded doses of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, they are very unlikely to get the disease.

“People who are unsure or have concerns about their immunity to measles should contact their doctor to check whether they have had both vaccines,” Dr Jarvinen said.

“Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing.

“True measles is a serious viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose, then a red spotty rash and sore eyes a few days later.

“Symptoms usually start around 7 to 10 days after infection but sometimes longer so anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next fortnight should contact their GP for advice.

“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 Jarvinen 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.

“It can be a severe illness even in otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults.

Queensland Health staff will continue to actively investigate this case and do whatever they can to prevent further transmission,” Dr Jarvinen said.

“Because of recent measles outbreaks overseas, it is particularly important for travellers to get vaccinated before leaving Australia.”