Measles alert message needs to reach backpackers
Health Alert
Backpackers staying in the Douglas region are a key target of a measles alert issued yesterday by Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service as Cairns backpacker accommodation Mad Monkey Waterfront backpackers emerges as a possible epicentre of a Far North outbreak of the highly infectious virus.
The health service has issued a measles alert for people who were in or around the following locations at the following times, saying members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles over the next three weeks.
The locations pose no ongoing risk. Measles is a highly infectious and serious viral infection. The potential exposure areas include the Cairns Esplanade area from August 28 to September 2 and the specific locations and times are:
Mad Monkey Waterfront backpackers, 93A The Esplanade, Cairns Thursday August 28 – Tuesday, September 2 (7 days);
Woolworths Lake Street Thursday, August 28, 2pm;
Ollies Italian restaurant, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns Friday August 29, 6pm - 7pm;
GP Superclinic, Corner Florence and Grafton streets, Cairns Saturday, August 30, 5pm – 5.10pm;
Cairns Hospital Emergency Department waiting room Sunday, August 31, 6pm – 10pm and Tuesday, September 2, 2:30am-9am.
Measles usually starts as a flu-like illness with symptoms that include: fever, tiredness, blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body, severe cough, red/sore eyes, runny nose, white spots in the mouth.
Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom.
Cairns Public Health Director Dr Jacqui Murdoch said measles is highly infectious.
“The symptoms usually start around 10 days after exposure to measles but can occur between 7 and 18 days after contact.
“If people were in these areas at these times, they should look out for symptoms up until September 23.
“If people develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department. They should not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”
Dr Murdoch said this should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles.
"Please consider seeing a GP to be immunised for measles, if you are not already immune to measles. The vaccine is free for Australian residents.
"The measles vaccine can prevent illness even after exposure to the disease, if given early enough.
“Anyone born during or after 1966 should ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
"This is especially important before overseas travel, as there are measles outbreaks in several regions of the world and there have recently been several travel-related measles cases in Australia."
For more information see www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral infections/measles
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