Eight case of measles at UQ

Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) confirmed today that an eighth case of measles has been linked to the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.

Public Health Physician, Dr James Smith said that the student was infectious while attending classes at UQ Business School between Tuesday 25/08/2015 and Thursday 27/08/2015.

As well as the university, the student visited the following locations in Brisbane while infectious:

• Westfield Garden City, Mt Gravatt late afternoon on Wednesday 26/08/2015
• City Beach, Queen Street Mall in evening on Wednesday 26/08/2015
• George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant in evening on Wednesday 26/08/2015
• Coffee Club Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane in afternoon on Friday 28/08/2015
• Beijing House, Queen Street in evening on Friday 28/08/2015
• Woolworths, Spring Hill, late morning on Saturday 29/08/2015
• Hanaro Mart, Spring Hill, early afternoon on Saturday 29/08/2015.

Dr Smith said that MNPHU continues to advise students to be mindful of the early symptoms of measles and to avoid the university campus, part-time work and social gatherings when unwell.

“Measles symptoms usually start around 10 days after contact, but can occur between seven and 18 days after contact with an infectious person,” Dr Smith said.

“Early symptoms are similar to the ‘flu and other respiratory illnesses, and include a fever, cough, runny nose and dry, itchy eyes.

“It’s important for people to know that measles is infectious for four days before the rash appears.

“It is highly contagious and is spread by way of tiny droplets created during coughing and sneezing.”

MNPHU and University of Queensland recently completed a five day vaccination clinic at the School of Business.

“We focused our vaccination efforts on the School of Business,” said Dr Smith, “as recent cases had links with the school. Over 500 people have received the measles vaccine in recent weeks and many others had vaccination records checked.”

Anyone who develops the symptoms of measles over the coming fortnight should seek medical advice, from their family doctor in the first instance.

“It is important to call the medical practice first to say you could have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others,” Dr Smith said.

Further information on measles is available at: www.health.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

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