Anyone who was in the Cairns Hospital Emergency Department between 4 and 9 pm on 31 May should be alert for measles symptoms. Photo: Queensland Health.
A measles alert has been issued for various locations in Cairns including the hospital emergency department, a chemist and a major shopping centre.
Passengers who were aboard Jetstar flight JQ954 from Sydney to Cairns on Friday 29 May have also been warned to watch for signs and symptoms of the contagious viral infection, which can cause hospitalisation and death in severe cases.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has issued the measles alert for people who were in or around the following locations at the following times.
Friday 29 May
- JQ954 flight Sydney to Cairns – 3:15 to 6:30 pm.
Saturday 30 May
- Bus 131 Whitfield-Cairns CBD – 1 to 1:30 pm
- Chemist Warehouse, 50 McLeod St, Cairns – 1:30 to 2 pm
- Coles Supermarket, Cairns Central Shopping Centre – 2 to 2:30 pm
- Bus 131 Cairns CBD-Whitfield – 5 to 5:30 pm
Sunday 31 May
- Bus 131 Whitfield-Cairns CBD – 9:30 to 10 am
- Bus 131 Cairns CBD-Whitfield – 10:30 to 11 am
- Bus 131 Whitfield-Cairns CBD – 2 to 2:30 pm
- Cairns Hospital Emergency Department – 4 to 9 pm
Measles often appears similar to the flu at first. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, a blotchy rash that spreads from the head/face, a severe cough, red/sore eyes, a runny nose and white spots in the mouth, according to the health service.
While most people associate the disease with the rash, it’s not usually the first symptom of measles.
Cairns Public Health Unit physician Doctor Tonia Marquardt said symptoms usually appeared about 10 days after exposure, but could develop anywhere between seven and 18 days after contact with the virus.
“If you were in the identified areas during the specified times, it’s important to monitor for symptoms until 18 June,” she said.
“If you develop symptoms, it’s crucial to call ahead to your GP or emergency department for advice.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. Photo: Queensland Health.
“Do not visit a waiting room or attend healthcare facilities without prior notice, as this could put others at risk.”
Dr Marquardt said it was important for the community to be vaccinated against measles.
“Please check your vaccination status and if you are not already immune consider visiting your GP to receive the measles vaccine. The vaccine is free for Australian residents,” she said.
“The measles vaccine can also prevent illness if administered within 72 hours of exposure to the virus, so it’s important to act quickly if you think you’ve been exposed.”
Dr Marquardt said anyone born during or after 1966 should make sure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine, so they are fully protected.
“This is especially important for those planning overseas travel, as there are ongoing measles outbreaks in several parts of the world,” she said.
“This year Australia has seen several cases of measles linked to international travel.”
To check your vaccination status contact your GP or visit the Queensland Health website to find out more.
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
