Measles alert for North Brisbane

Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) has confirmed a case of measles in a male infant from Brisbane’s north side.

The infant was infectious from the 25 February to the 5 March whilst visiting the following locations:

• Runcorn Plaza Shopping Centre Medical Centre, Runcorn during morning on Tuesday 27 February and Friday 2 March.
• Caboolture Hospital between 4pm to 5pm on Wednesday 28 February.
• Westfield North Lakes Shopping Centre on the evening of Thursday 1 March.
• Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital Emergency Department on the evening of Friday 2 March.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service are warning people who were in those areas at the same time as the infant to be wary of measles symptoms.

Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing.

Measles symptoms usually start around 10 days after contact, but can occur between seven 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.

Anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next week or two 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.

Further advice is available by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

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