A 32-year-old paramedic has been diagnosed with measles and is currently in hospital in a serious condition.
The man worked while he was unknowingly infectious between 10 May and 12 May. He may also have come into contact with people while not on duty between 10-18 May.
Contact tracing is now underway with QAS staff and patients the man may have come into contact with.
The paramedic also attended some hospitals in Brisbane during the evening of 11 May and the morning of 12 May:
1. The Princess Alexandra Hospital
11/5: 7.45pm to 9.30pm and 11.15pm to 12.15am
12/5: 5.45am to 8.10am
2. Greenslopes Private Hospital
12/5: 12.15am to 1.30am
3. The Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital
11/5: 9.30pm to 10.30pm
4. The QE II Hospital
12/5: 4am to 5.15am
The man was also on Moreton Island on 14-18 May and may have come into contact with people there.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person by droplets during coughing and sneezing. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Anyone who has concerns is asked to call 13HEALTH or see general practitioner.
You are generally considered to be immune to measles if:
• You were born before 1 January 1966; or
• You have had two documented doses of a measles containing vaccine; or
• You have measles immunity proven on blood testing; or
• You have had the measles disease.
If you were born on or after 1 January 1966 and have received one documented dose of a measles containing vaccine it is recommended you receive another measles vaccination.
Listen to press conference below:
The easy answer is given by the World Health Organisation administer Vitamin A as both a preventative and to make sure there are no complications like Encephalitis – [Quote] All children in developing countries diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This treatment restores low vitamin A levels during measles that occur even in well-nourished children and can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have been shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles by 50%. [/Quote] link to WHO Measles Page for reference http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/