Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) has issued a measles alert after a confirmed case visited the Gold Coast while unknowingly infectious.
It is believed the interstate resident passed through Gold Coast Airport after contracting the infection overseas.
Anyone who was in the following locations during the same time periods may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms:
- Flight VA82 from Denpasar to Gold Coast on Wednesday 17 December, arriving 7:00am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- Gold Coast Airport on Wednesday 17 December between 7:00am – 8:30am AEST
While this location does not pose an ongoing risk, people who attended these locations during the times noted above should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms up to and including Sunday 4 January 2026.
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.
