Recently, the resurgence of measles, a disease once thought to be nearly eradicated in many parts of the world, has become a growing concern. This highly contagious virus can spread rapidly, especially in areas with low vaccination rates or among groups of people who travel frequently.
Australia, recognised for its strong healthcare system and high public health standards, is not immune to this global issue. Queenslanders, in particular, are currently facing a measles alert as cases rise in the country due to overseas travellers carrying the highly infectious disease.
The latest alert comes after an individual unknowingly infected with measles visited popular destinations across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.
The list of exposure sites is as eclectic as it is concerning, ranging from the beloved Australia Zoo, some trendy sushi restaurants, and the playful fairways of Holey Moley Mini Golf to bustling hospital emergency departments. Even train stations, where thousands commute daily, have been identified as potential hotspots for transmission.
Queensland Health has issued a clear directive for those who may have encountered the infectious person between 2 April and 5 April to monitor for symptoms of measles.
The health authority has reassured the public that the locations listed do not pose an ongoing risk, but the window for developing symptoms remains open for 18 days following potential exposure.
Dr Alexandra Uren, a Metro North Public Health physician, has emphasised the importance of being alert to the early signs of measles that typically start between seven and 18 days after infection.
‘Early symptoms of measles include a fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and red, inflamed eyes. Those symptoms then progress to a blotchy red rash, which often starts on the face before becoming widespread,’ she said.
She added, ‘Anyone seeking treatment for an illness they think could be measles should call ahead before visiting their GP or medical practice to allow precautions to be taken to prevent the illness from spreading to others.’
Members of the public who were in the following locations and dates need to be alert for symptoms of measles for the next three weeks:
Gold Coast
- Yo-chi, 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise on 2 April, between 10:15 am and 11 am
- Cotton On, 27 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise on 2 April, between 11 am and 12:30 pm
- Ghanda Clothing, 25 Cavill Ave Surfers Paradise on 2 April between 11 am and 12:30 pm
- Holey Moley Mini Golf – Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise on 2 April, between 2:15 pm and 3:45 pm
- Bunk Hostel, 6 Beach Rd. Surfers Paradise, all day on 2 April and until 10 am on 3 April
- Goldies, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd., Surfers Paradise on 2 April between 6:45 pm and 8 pm
Brisbane
- Bunk Hostel, 21 Gipps St, Fortitude Valley, on 3 April and until 7 am on 4th April
- Brooki Bakehouse, 15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley on 3 April between 12 pm and 12:30 pm
- Sushi Hub, 136 Queen Street, Brisbane on 3 April between 1:30 pm and 2 pm
- Cotton On, Queen Adelaide Building 90/90 Queen Street, Brisbane on 3 April between 2 pm and 3:10 pm
- Central Station, Brisbane on 4 April between 6:45 am and 7:30 am
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Emergency Department waiting room on 4 April between 7:45 pm and 11:00 pm
Sunshine Coast
- Nambour train from Central Station, Brisbane to Beerwah Station, on 4 April, leaving at 7:07 am and arriving at 8:27 am
- Springfield train from Beerwah Station to Central Station, Brisbane on 4 April, leaving at 5:03 pm and arriving at 6:26 pm
- Australia Zoo on 4 April, between 8:30 am and 5 pm
How do you stay informed about public health alerts in your area? Join the conversation below and let us know how you’re taking steps to protect yourself and your community from measles and other infectious diseases.
Also read: Travelling overseas? You could be at risk of measles. Here’s how to ensure you’re protected
