Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) is reminding residents of the importance of vaccination following a confirmed case of measles on the Gold Coast.
A measles alert has been issued after an adult recently returned from Bali where it’s understood they contracted the infection.
The case was unknowingly infectious while visiting the following locations:
• Robina Hospital, Emergency Department on Thursday 18 September between 6:40am and 7:30am and between 5:30pm and 6:30pm
• Chempro, Palm Beach (Gold Coast Highway) on Tuesday 16 September
• Chempro, Palm Beach (19th Avenue) on Tuesday 16 September between 3:30pm and 5:30pm
• Zone Gym and Recovery, Burleigh Heads on Monday 15 September between 7:45am and 9:30am on Monday
• Burleigh Pavillion Kiosk on Monday 15 September between approximately 6:00am and 6:45am
• Event Cinemas, Robina on the afternoon of Sunday 14 September
• Coles, Palm Beach on the afternoon of Friday 12 September
• World Gym, Burleigh on Thursday 11 September from approximately 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Measles is a highly contagious serious infection which can be associated with severe complications.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a red spotty rash.
The time from contact with the virus until onset of symptoms is typically 10 days but may be anywhere up to 18 days.
The best way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses required to provide the best protection.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age, or earlier if they are travelling overseas.
It is also free in QLD for anyone born during or since 1966 who hasn't already had two doses.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe.
Gold Coast residents can access free, family-friendly community immunisation clinics run by Gold Coast Public Health.
No appointments are required, simply bring your Medicare card and your or your child’s vaccination record or personal health record.
Immunisations are also available at select GPs and some pharmacies.
For more information about measles please visit the Queensland Health website.
