The Gold Coast Public Health Unit has been notified of another case of measles on the Gold Coast.
This person arrived at Gold Coast Airport on Saturday, 28 December 2019, at 7.35am from Sydney on flight JQ402 and was diagnosed after arrival.
This person also attended a movie theatre at Coomera Westfield on Monday, 30 December 2019, for a 7.30pm viewing.
People at the airport around the flight time of arrival, and people who attended Coomera Westfield movie theatre around the time of this screening, as well as the public in general, need to be alert for symptoms of measles over the next three weeks.
The initial signs and symptoms of measles include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore red eyes.
This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.
We encourage travellers to ensure they are vaccinated before their departure and to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles three weeks after their return to Australia.
The initial signs and symptoms of measles include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore red eyes. This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.
If you have any of the measles signs or symptoms contact your GP and remember it is VERY important to call the medical practice first if you think you might have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid spreading it to others.
You are generally considered to be immune to measles if:
- You were born before 1966; or
- You have had two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine (such as MMR); or
- You have measles immunity proven on blood testing; or
- You have had laboratory-confirmed measles disease.
Anyone who does not meet the above criteria would benefit from contacting a GP regarding immunisation. The measles vaccine is provided free for any person born during or since 1966.
For more information on the measles virus visit the Queensland Health website or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for more information.
