Public Health Medical Officer, Dr Brad McCall said the person had been in the following locations this month while infectious:
3 June
– Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre particularly Target or Coles stores
– The Nook Café Jindalee
4, 5 and 6 June
– Beenleigh-Ferny Grove train line northbound 12-2pm
– Beenleigh-Ferny Grove train line southbound 9-11pm
Scotty McDonald caught up with Dr. Brad McCall, listen here [podcast]/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/8JuneMeasles.mp3[/podcast]
“As a duty of care, Queensland Health is asking anyone who was at the shopping centre, cafe or train at the same time as the person with measles should be alert for symptoms,” Dr McCall said.
“The person was infectious at the time, so we’re asking people who may have been exposed to the virus to ensure they are protected against measles and to seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
“Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing.
“The initial symptoms are fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore and red eyes, followed a few days later by a blotchy red rash. The rash starts on the face then becomes widespread.
“Symptoms usually start around 10 days after infection but sometimes longer so anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next week or two should contact their GP for advice.
“It’s 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.”
The person had no history of overseas travel and had acquired the disease in Brisbane.
This latest confirmed measles case follows another confirmed case of the virus in Brisbane last month that was believed to have been acquired in Southeast Asia.
Dr McCall said 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 GP to get vaccinated for measles. The vaccine is free for anyone who requires it.
“Measles can be very distressing for those affected, and complications can include pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and occasionally death,” Dr McCall said.
“It can be a severe illness even in otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults.
“Queensland Health will continue to actively investigate this case and do whatever it can to prevent further transmission.”
For more information on the measles virus, people should contact their local GP or call Queensland
Health’s phone line 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
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