Six measles cases confirmed in Cairns as Mareeba, Dimbulah locations added as exposure sites
The measles outbreak in Cairns has doubled to six cases, with locations in Mareeba and Dimbulah now considered exposure sites. Details:
The measles outbreak in Cairns has doubled to six cases, with locations in Mareeba and Dimbulah now considered exposure sites.
Queensland Health issued a public health alert on Thursday, September 17, saying six people were confirmed to have measles infections in the Cairns area.
The six individuals spent time at a number of locations in Cairns, Smithfield, Mareeba and Dimbulah while unknowingly being contagious, Queensland Health said.
The list of exposure sites has since been updated, and includes Cairns Hospital as well as various hostels, hospitality venues and supermarkets across the four areas.
“Members of the public who visited these areas may have been exposed to the disease and need to be alert for symptoms,” Queensland Health said.
Health officials were previously concerned undetected measles cases may still be active in Cairns after a third international visitor was diagnosed with the highly contagious viral illness earlier this week.
Queensland Health declared a measles outbreak in the city after a locally transmitted case was confirmed in the city last Thursday.
It’s believed that the first case was a traveller who contracted measles in Bali at the end of August before visiting Cairns, prompting health workers to start contact tracing on hundreds of close contacts.
Health officials have already started providing free vaccines to international travellers deemed high risk and directly communicating the diseases dangers to affected hostels.
Cairns Public Health unit director, Dr Jacqui Murdoch said the first three cases were backpackers, with the second patient unvaccinated against the deadly infectious disease.
“What that means is we have concerns that this measles outbreak will continue, and we’re asking the public to be vigilant for any signs or symptoms of measles,” Dr Murdoch said.
“Those signs and symptoms are a fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and then a couple of days later, people develop a red blotchy rash, which usually starts at the top, so on your face or head, and moves down the body.
“We think there probably will be more cases, given that there’s already been two further cases, given the nature of the exposures and the community that’s affected.”
Two of the three backpackers first confirmed to have the infection have been hospitalised, Dr Murdoch said, with infants and weak immune systems considered highly vulnerable.
“I am concerned for babies under 12 months who are unable to get vaccinated against measles, as well as people who are immunosuppressed,” she said.
“So I would really encourage everybody, if you’re not fully vaccinated or if you’re not sure, to check your vaccination status with your GP.”
Dr Murdoch said measles vaccination rates in Cairns were considered to be high.
Vaccination against measles is considered to be highly effective with two doses offering 99 per cent protection against illness and serious complications.
More Coverage
Originally published as Six measles cases confirmed in Cairns as Mareeba, Dimbulah locations added as exposure sites
4000+ photos: Mega Qld 2025 school formal gallery
