Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) has issued an alert following two confirmed cases of measles who were unknowingly infectious while visiting locations on the Gold Coast.
It is believed the cases contracted the infection overseas.
Anyone who was in the following locations during the listed times may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms:
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Tees' Clubhouse, Benowa on Saturday 7 March between 11am - 1pm
• Hillsong Church Gold Coast on Sunday 8 March between 5.15pm - 8.30pm
• 35 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina on Monday 9 March between 8am - 5pm
• Robina Town Centre on Monday 9 March between 4.30pm - 6pm
• MedCentres Robina on Tuesday 10 March between 1.45pm - 4pm
• South Coast Radiology Robina on Tuesday 10 March between 2.30pm - 3.30pm
• 100 Health Pharmacy, Robina on Tuesday 10 March between 3pm - 4pm
• ALDI Robina on Tuesday 10 March between 3pm - 4pm
• Liberti Church, Mudgeeraba on Sunday 22 March between 09.15am - 11.45am
• Mudgee Bah Cafe, Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre on Sunday 22 March between 11.30am - 1.30pm
• Robina Town Centre including Woolworths on Sunday 22 March between 1pm - 4pm
While these locations do not pose an ongoing risk, people who attended these locations during the times above should watch for symptoms of measles for up to 18 days after they were potentially exposed to the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious serious infection which can be associated with severe complications.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed three or four days later by a red spotty rash. If symptoms develop, see your doctor or contact 13 HEALTH. Please call ahead to let them know you have been in contact with measles to avoid spreading the infection.
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 immunisation, 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 immunisation 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.
