A Public Health Alert has been issued following a case of measles on the Sunshine Coast.
A Mt Coolum resident, who works at Noosaville, has been diagnosed with the illness.
A childcare centre, the location of which hasn’t been disclosed, has been identified as a venue of concern.
The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Public Health Unit says it’s working with the facility in question, to engage with families who may have been exposed.
“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,” a SCPHU spokesperson says.
“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.”
“If you are immunised, it is unlikely you will contract measles.”
Anyone who feels unwell is urged to contact their GP, 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.”
Further information on measles is available on the Queensland Health website, at: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/91/Measles
