Queensland measles outbreak: second alert issued as cases rise on Gold Coast and in Cairns

Queensland Health issued a second measles alert within two days after a man who had recently returned from Bali visited the Gold Coast while infectious. The state confirmed on Friday that the man attended gyms, shops and pharmacies across the city over the past week as authorities trace contacts. A day earlier, Cairns and the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service reported new infections, with nine confirmed cases since August 1.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and middle ear infections, and it can be fatal, particularly in children under five. Queensland Health said the cases were linked to overseas travel. The chief health official, Catherine McDougall, urged anyone who has recently returned from overseas or who has had close contact with an overseas traveler and develops fever or respiratory symptoms to seek medical advice promptly. Symptoms typically begin seven to 18 days after exposure, though it can take up to three weeks for a rash to appear. Early signs include fever, fatigue, runny nose, moist cough and red eyes, with a blotchy red rash often starting on the face and spreading to the body. Those born after 1965 who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine remain at risk. Health officials note that people can be infectious for up to five days before a rash appears and can spread the illness through coughing or direct contact.

A measles outbreak prompted face mask mandates to be reinstated at Cairns Hospital as cases rose in Far North Queensland on Thursday. Authorities issued a public health alert for the area after six confirmed cases were recorded in the previous three weeks. Exposure-site listings include the World Gym in Burleigh, Coles in Palm Beach, Event Cinemas in Robina, the Burleigh Pavilion Kiosk, Zone Gym at Burleigh Heads, two Chempro stores in Palm Beach (19th Avenue and Gold Coast Highway) and Robina Hospital Emergency Department.

The initial case was linked to a backpackers’ hostel and traced to a patient who had recently arrived from Bali. Authorities say the other five cases are believed to be locally acquired, with an unrelated case recorded in Townsville last week. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is free and available through GPs and participating pharmacies. Those who have been vaccinated or previously contracted measles are very unlikely to catch the disease, even if exposed. Aussies heading overseas should see their GP before departure, particularly if traveling to Southeast Asia, where recent measles outbreaks have been reported in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Gold Coast exposure sites Queensland Health has linked the measles case to the following locations: World Gym, Burleigh; Coles, Palm Beach; Event Cinemas, Robina; Burleigh Pavilion Kiosk; Zone Gym, Burleigh Heads; Chempro, Palm Beach (19th Avenue); Chempro, Palm Beach (Gold Coast Highway); Robina Hospital Emergency Department.

Public health officials emphasize vigilance for fever and rash in the weeks ahead and reiterate the importance of vaccination, particularly for children and adults who have not completed two doses of the measles-containing vaccine. Those who develop symptoms after potential exposure should contact a health provider promptly and avoid close contact with others to limit transmission.