Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service issues urgent measles alert
An urgent health alert has been issued for Cairns following a potential outbreak in the region.
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An urgent health alert has been issued for Cairns following a potential outbreak in the region.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) issued a measles alert for people who may have been exposed to the illness.
CHHHS contact tracing teams have been following up anyone who may have been exposed to the illness, even people who may have been in the emergency department.
Medical staff hold particular concern for anyone on a flight from Alice Springs to Cairns, TL1361 via Air North, 12.50-3.30pm, or who visited Cairns Airport domestic terminal arrivals from 3.30-4pm and Cairns Hospital emergency department from 4pm to 12am on Wednesday, July 23.
There is also an alert for anyone who visited Mad Monkeys backpackers at 100 Sheridan St, Cairns from 12-5am and Cairns Hospital ED 6am to 9.30am on Thursday, July 24.
These locations pose no ongoing risk, but people who were at these locations at these times should be on the lookout for measles symptoms.
Tropical Public Health director Dr Jacqui Murdoch said this should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles.
“This is especially important before overseas travel, as there are measles outbreaks in several regions of the world and there have recently been several travel-related measles cases in Australia,” Dr Murdoch said.
“The measles vaccine can prevent illness even after exposure to the disease, if given early enough.”
Symptoms usually start around 10 days after exposure but can occur between seven and 18 days after contact.
If people were in these areas at these times, they should look out for symptoms until August 11.
CHHHS said clinical staff are vaccinated against measles and not considered at risk.
“Please consider seeing a GP to be immunised for measles, if you are not already immune… The vaccine is free for Australian residents,” Dr Murdoch said.
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Originally published as Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service issues urgent measles alert
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