Third Measles alert for Gold Coast in as many weeks

The Kiwi measles outbreak has hit the Gold Coast, and it is not the first time the virus has spread across the ditch.

THE Kiwi measles outbreak has hit the Gold Coast again.

A spokesman from Gold Coast Health Unit said a passenger was diagnosed with the deadly virus shortly after arrival on a flight from New Zealand on Sunday.

“This person was exposed to measles while visiting New Zealand,” a heath spokesman said.

“There is an outbreak of measles in New Zealand, and we encourage returned travellers to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles for three weeks after their return to Australia.”

The case follows two similar cases in the past three weeks.

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The weekend’s infected individual arrived at Gold Coast Airport on Sunday at 9.55am on flight VA110 from Auckland and was diagnosed shortly after arrival.

People at the airport around the time of arrival, and the public in general, should be alert for symptoms of measles over the next three weeks, authorities said.

The initial signs and symptoms of measles include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore, red eyes.

This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and becomes widespread over the body.

If you have any of the measles signs or symptoms contact your GP. Remember, it is important to call the medical practice first if you think you have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid spreading it to others.