Queensland Health has been notified of a case of measles on Brisbane's southside.
The person was likely to be infectious whilst visiting the following locations:
- Subway, The Village, 1932 Logan Road, Upper Mount Gravatt | Thursday 18 Jan, 3pm to 3.45pm
- Coles, The Village, 1932 Logan Road, Upper Mount Gravatt | Thursday 18 Jan, 3.15pm to 4pm
- Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, 1290 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt | Monday 22 Jan, 1.30pm to 3.30 pm
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital | Monday 22 Jan, 3.15pm to Tuesday 23 Jan, 6.45am
Metro South Health Public Health Physician Dr Mark Stickley said people who had been at these locations during those times needed to be alert for symptoms, unless they are born before 1966, or had received two doses of measles vaccine, or had experienced a documented measles illness in the past.
“If people are adequately vaccinated with two recorded doses of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, they are very unlikely to get the disease. People who are unsure or have concerns about their immunity to measles should contact their doctor to check whether they have had both vaccines,” Dr Stickley said.
Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing. It is a serious viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose, then a red spotty rash and sore eyes a few days later.
Symptoms usually start around 7 to 10 days after contact with a person with measles but sometimes longer so anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next fortnight should contact their GP for advice.
“It is very 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 Stickley said.
Measles can make people very unwell and although complications are uncommon, they can be very serious. Approximately 30% of adults with measles will be hospitalised.
Queensland Health recommends anyone born during or since 1966, who has not had two documented doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or had proven measles, should visit their local family doctor to get vaccinated for measles. The vaccine is free for anyone who requires it.
For more information on the measles virus contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Or visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles