Brisbane measles alert: Public places exposed in recent case

SOME public places in Brisbane have been exposed to measles in a recent confirmed case.

Metro North Public Health Unit has confirmed a male in his 30s contracted measles after travelling overseas.

It has not been disclosed where he travelled from, however he was reportedly infectious between December 16 and 25.

While infectious, the man visited Felons Brewing Co at Howard Smith Wharves and Oxford St, Bulimba, including Oxford 152, around lunchtime on December 19; Eatons Hill Shopping Centre, including Woolworths, from about 4pm to 5.30pm on December 20; and The Prince Charles Hospital emergency department, on December 19 from 7.30pm to midnight, and December 21 from 5pm to 9pm.

A Metro North Public Health Unit media spokeswoman said he was being treated and that people should check if they were at the locations he visited.

“It is really a precautionary measure for those that haven’t been vaccinated,” she said.

“He was only infectious for a couple of days, so we just want it to be known.”

Of all communicable diseases, measles is one of the most infectious, and is spread by tiny droplets generated through coughing and sneezing.

Metro North Public Health Unit said symptoms usually started about 10 days after contact with an infectious person, but could occur between seven and 18 days after contact.

Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore and red eyes, followed by a blotchy red rash a few days later.

According to Metro North Public Health, two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide high-level protection against measles, and are usually given during childhood.