Measles case confirmed

Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) has confirmed a case of measles in a male in his 40s from Chermside.

The man is believed to have been in the following locations while unknowingly infectious:

1 March 2017 pm – Brisbane International Airport
1 March 2017 – Virgin Flight VA43 Brisbane to Denpasar (Bali). Departed BNE approx. 3.40pm (local), arrived approx. 8.30 pm (local)
2 March 2017 – Virgin Flight VA70 Denpasar (Bali) to Sydney. Departed approx. 10.30pm (local) Arrived SYD approx. 7.30am (local) on 3 March
3 March 2017, am – Sydney International Airport
3 March 2017, 8 am – Terminal transfer bus from International to Domestic Terminal
3 March 2017, am – Sydney Domestic Airport
3 March 2017 – Virgin Flight VA931 Sydney to Brisbane. Departed SYD approx. 10am (local), Arrived BNE approximately 10.50am (local)
3 March 2017, am – Brisbane Airport
3 March 2017, 6- 8 pm – Tempest Seafood Restaurant and Teppanyaki Grill, Scarborough Boat Harbour
5 March 2017, 9 – 9.30 am – North Brisbane Landscape and Garden Centre, Zillmere
6 March 2017, 10-10.45 am – Junction Road Family Practice, Clayfield
6 March 2017, 11am – 3.30pm – Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital, Chermside. Accident and emergency

Public Health Physician Dr Mekala Srirajalingam said the PHU was working with the hospital and venues where the man had visited while infectious.

Dr Srirajalingam said anyone who may have been in these locations during the time periods and who develops measles-like symptoms within the next three weeks should stay home and contact their GP for advice.

If you do need to seek treatment, 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.

“Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing,” Dr Srirajalingam said.

“Symptoms usually start around 10 days after contact, but can occur between 7 and 18 days after contact with an infectious person.”

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore and red eyes. This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash. The rash often starts on the face then becomes widespread over the body.

Dr Srirajalingam said vaccination was recommended for anyone born during or since 1966, who has not had two documented doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or had proven measles. MMR vaccine is funded and anyone requiring vaccination should arrange this through their family doctor.

People travelling overseas are also encouraged to update their vaccinations.

A fact sheet for the public about measles is available at: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/91/measles.

Further advice is available by contacting your family doctor or by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).