Measles alert issued for Noosaville and Imbil

The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services has issued an public health alert after a person confirmed to have the disease visited several locations.

Two places in Imbil have been identified as a location of concern after a measles case in Noosaville.

The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service has issued a public health alert for Gympie, the Mary Valley and Noosa after a case of measles was identified in the community on Friday morning.

The health alert, issued about 4pm Friday, identified a childcare centre at Noosaville as well as locations in Imbil as venues of concern.

Residents, community members and visitors who may have visited the locations at the specified time have been asked to monitor their own and families health.

The specific times and locations are: Appleberries Early Education Service, Noosaville between April 3 – 6 and April 12-13, 2023; the Imbil General Store on April 7 at about 3pm; and public amenities at Lambert Hyne Dr, Imbil on April 9 from about 8-9am.

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Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and can be acquired in public places if infectious people are present.

The viral infection is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing

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Initial symptoms are fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore and red eyes.

These are followed a few days later by a blotchy red rash.

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The rash starts on the face then becomes widespread, the SCHHS alert said.

Symptoms usually start around 10 days after infection but sometimes later.

The alert said people are generally considered to be immune to measles if they were born before 1966, have had two documented doses of a measles vaccine (such as MMR), have had measles immunity proven on a blood test, or had a laboratory-confirmed case of the disease.

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Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and can be acquired in public places if infectious people are present. (3D objects of Measles Viruses in abstract plasma with blood cells. Picture: istock)

If you are immunised it is unlikely you will contract measles, the alert said.

Anyone feeling unwell is urged to call their doctor, visit their closest emergency department, or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

The alert said it was important to call the medical practice first to say you could have measles, so staff have precautions in place when you arrive to avoid spreading the disease to others.

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SCHHS said it was a reminder everyone should take the opportunity to make sure they were vaccinated against measles.

Anyone who does not meet the above criteria was encouraged to talk to their GP regarding immunisation.

The measles vaccine was provided free for any person born during or since 1966.

Infants from the age of six months who are travelling are able to be vaccinated against measles.

Measles can be distressing for those affected and can be a severe illness even in otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults.

Further information on measles is available on the Queensland Health website.