Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Public Health Unit is responding to two notifications of measles in a family who returned from overseas on 13 March 2023.
Transmission has occurred within a family household, and there is no known transmission within the community.
Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and can be acquired in public places if infectious people are present. Measles 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 later.
You are generally considered to be immune to measles if:
· You were born before 1966
· You have had two documented doses of a measles containing vaccine (such as MMR)
· You have measles immunity proven on blood testing
· You have had laboratory-confirmed measles disease.
If you are immunised, it is unlikely you will contract measles.
If you or your family are feeling unwell, pls call your General Practitioner (GP) or visit your closest Emergency Department or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
It is very important to call the medical practice first to say you could have measles, so that staff have precautions in place when you arrive to avoid spreading the disease to others.
This is a reminder that everyone should take the opportunity to make sure they are vaccinated against measles.
Anyone who does not meet the above criteria is encouraged to talk to their GP regarding immunisation. The measles vaccine is provided free for any person born during or since 1966. Infants from the age of six months who are travelling are able to be vaccinated against measles.
Measles can be very distressing for those affected and can be a severe illness even in otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults.
Further information on measles is available on the Queensland Health website, at: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/91/Measles
