Gold Coast Public Health Unit is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after a case of measles was on the Gold Coast while unknowingly infectious.
The measles case was acquired overseas and arrived on the Gold Coast via Qantas flight QF596 from Sydney Domestic Airport on January 17.
People who may have been exposed to the virus in the following locations should monitor for symptoms.
Friday 17 January
- Qantas flight QF596 from Sydney Domestic Airport (SYD) to Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Departure time 8:03pm (AEST) Arrival time 9:30pm (AEST)
- Gold Coast Airport, Eastern Avenue, Bilinga, Queensland between 9.30pm (AEST) and 10.15pm (AEST).
Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing. It is a serious viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose, then a red spotty rash and sore eyes a few days later.
Symptoms usually start around 7 to 10 days after contact with a person with measles, but it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. Anyone who develops measles-like symptoms should contact their GP for advice.
It is very 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.
Measles can make people very unwell and although complications are uncommon, they can be very serious. Approximately 30 percent of adults with measles will be hospitalised.
Vaccination is the best way for the community to protect themselves from diseases such as measles.
For more information on the measles virus, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit the Queensland Government website.
