8 October 2019: A person arrived at Gold Coast Airport on Sunday, 6 October, at 9.55am from New Zealand on flight VA110 and was diagnosed shortly after arrival. People at the airport around the time of arrival, as well as the public in general, need to be alert for symptoms of measles over the next three weeks.
2 October 2019:
A person spent time in the following locations while unknowingly being contagious:
- Skateboard park in Currumbin on 24 September
- Skateboard park in Runaway Bay on 27 September
- Dreamworld on 29 September
- Westfield Helensvale Shopping Centre on 30 September
Members of the public who were in these areas, on these dates, need to be alert for symptoms of measles for the next three weeks.
There is currently an outbreak of measles in New Zealand, so travellers should 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 by contacting a GP regarding immunisation. Vaccination now will not prevent infection from this particular exposure, but it will help protect you in the future.
The measles vaccine is provided free for any person born during or since 1966. More information on the measles virus is available at visit the Queensland Health website or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
