Measles alert for North Brisbane

Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) can confirm a case of measles in an adult male from Brisbane’s northside.

The person was unknowingly infectious while using public transport on the following dates:

• 8:31am train from Enoggera station to Roma Street station on Monday 19 March
• 1.30pm train (approx.) from Roma Street station to Enoggera station on Tuesday 20 March.

Mero North Hospital and Health Service encourages people who were in those areas at the same time as the person to be aware of measles symptoms.

Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets generated 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 and neck, then becomes widespread over the body.

Vaccinations are recommended for anyone born during or since 1966, who has not had two documented doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or had proven measles.  The MMR vaccine is funded and anyone requiring vaccination should arrange this through their GP.

Anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next week or two should stay home and contact their GP for advice.

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).