Health department issues measles alert after case in Brisbane suburbs

Queensland Health is warning Brisbane residents to monitor symptoms after someone with measles visited sites in the city’s south between November 21 and 26.

In an alert, the department confirmed the case of the “very infectious disease” on Wednesday, and that the carrier had unknowingly created several exposure sites in the community before his or her diagnosis.

They included an after-school care centre, a convenience store and a chemist.

The department warned the disease could be spread by coughs and sneezes, and advised anyone who had visited the sites at the same time as the infected individual to monitor their condition.

“Symptoms usually start seven to 10 days after the contact with the infected person but can sometimes take as long as three weeks,” it said.

Rashes occur several days after infection, with coughing and sinus symptoms appearing first. Credit: Queensland Health

There were five measles cases in Queensland last year and five had been reported already this year.

An acute respiratory illness, measles first presents with high temperatures, coughing, and a runny nose. Initial symptoms were usually followed by a more recognisable “red spotty rash” and finally sore, watery eyes within a few days.

“Most people recover well after a case of the measles, however up to 30 per cent will need to be admitted to hospital,” Queensland Health said.

Testing was available at Brisbane hospitals and GP clinics, with anyone presenting symptoms urged to avoid public spaces.

Queensland Health said at-risk groups included anyone who was born after 1965, unvaccinated, had never contracted measles before, or was immunocompromised.

In Australia, it was recommended children receive two initial doses of the measles vaccine – which also protect against mumps, rubella, and chickenpox – before their first birthday.

A booster shot for the MMR/MMRV vaccines was not required, although adults who had not been previously vaccinated were recommended at least one dose.

Vaccination was not possible during pregnancy, or for someone with a compromised immune system.

Brisbane and Ipswich City councils offered free vaccination for measles at select pharmacies, GPs, and community care clinics.

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