AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,26703189-5003402,00.html


Alert on possible Measles outbreak at Airlie Beach

Article from: The Courier-Mail
Peter Michael

February 10, 2010 10:12am

HUNDREDS of tourists may have been exposed to highly infectious Measles virus with authorities on alert for a possible outbreak in Airlie Beach.

A foreign male tourist fell sick with the highly-contagious disease on a five-day holiday in the Whitsundays.

He did not contract the virus in Australia, but may have spread it into the community.

The tourist is understood to have gone on a boat cruise, swum in the public lagoon and dined at various restaurants in the popular north Queensland tourist village.

?We?re concerned about the possibility of the measles virus spreading into the local community and elsewhere in Queensland due to the large number of travellers and visitors to the area,?? said Tropical Regional Services Medical Officer Dr Steven Donohue.

Measles is extremely contagious and is spread in tiny droplets through coughing and spluttering. The virus can survive for several hours in the environment.

Dr Donohue said symptoms usually start around 10 days after contact with an infected person.

The sick tourist was in the Whitsundays from 30 January to 4 February.

?Although the patient didn?t get measles in Australia, he would have been highly infectious while in the Airlie Beach region,? Dr Donohue said.

?Now is the time for people to be aware of any signs of infection.

?Anyone travelling or living in the Whitsundays who develops a fever, cough, runny nose and eyes or a blotchy red rash in the next few weeks should seek advice from their GP.

"However, it?s important to call the practice to say they could have measles, and ask to be seen away from the waiting room to avoid spreading the disease to others

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Source: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/...-to-sick-tourist/story-e6frfq80-1225829022248

Outbreak fears for thousands

* From: The Courier-Mail
* February 11, 2010 7:55AM

A FRENCH tourist may have infected hundreds of Queenslanders with the highly contagious measles virus as officials warn of a likely "untraceable" outbreak.

Health authorities have tried in vain to contact hundreds of people who might have come into contact with the man, in his 20s, on a five-day visit to the Whitsundays.

The man, who contracted the virus overseas, is known to have gone on a boat cruise, a bus trip, dined in restaurants, stayed in a hostel and swum in the public lagoon. He also had a stopover at Brisbane Airport.

It has emerged the sick tourist presented himself to a north Queensland doctor complaining of a rash, but symptoms of the potentially lethal disease were not detected.

Tropical Regional Services medical officer Dr Steven Donohue said an outbreak was likely.

"There is quite a strong chance we will find a few more cases," he said.

"If we get a few more locally acquired cases here, it will then be declared an outbreak."

Dr Donohue said the case was not picked up the first time because it was such a rare and uncommon disease in Australia.

"Most of the people he would have been in contact with are untraceable, and that is why there is likely to be more cases," he said.

The highly contagious sufferer crossed paths with hundreds - possibly thousands - of people. He flew from Airlie Beach via Brisbane to Melbourne, where his case was properly diagnosed and quarantined.

Measles is extremely contagious and spread in tiny droplets through coughing and spluttering.

Most people are vaccinated at an early age and have immunity to measles, but one-in-1000 cases results in brain infection and death.

Symptoms including fever, lethargy, moist cough and a blotchy rash usually start about 10 days after contact with an infected person.

The sick tourist was in the Whitsundays from January 30 to February 4.

Anyone travelling or living in the Whitsundays who develops symptoms in the next few weeks should seek advice from a GP, Dr Donohue said.

"Call the practice . . . and ask to be seen away from the waiting room to avoid spreading the disease to others."

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...with-measles-man/story-e6freoof-1225839309011

Queensland Health looks for people in contact with measles man

* by Natalie Gregg
* From: The Courier-Mail
* March 10, 2010 6:06PM

A BRISBANE man aged in his 30s is the first person in Queensland to be diagnosed with measles this year.

Queensland Health is tracing people who have been in contact with the man through his workplace, his GP, and other places he has visited recently.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said there was no obvious source of the highly-contagious disease in this case.

"He had no travel history, but must have been in contact with someone else in Brisbane with the disease who has not been identified,'' Dr Young said.

"People should ensure that they and their children are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations.''

Symptoms of this disease include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, sore red eyes followed by a widespread blotchy red rash a few days later.

Dr Young said anyone who develops symptoms, which usually is about 10 days after contact, should seek advice from their GP.

She said before visiting a GP, phone first to arrange to be seen away from the waiting room to avoid spreading the disease to others.

"Whenever a case is identified, we are always concerned about the possibility of the measles virus spreading into the local community; this is particularly so in this case where the infection appears to have been acquired in Brisbane rather than overseas,'' she said.

There were 32 cases of measles in Queensland last year and 11 in 2008.

In February a tourist was diagnosed in Melbourne, after travelling to the Whitsundays...


...For more information contact www.health.qld.gov.au

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Re: AU: Queensland measles alert

Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/brisbane-suffers-measles-scare-20100401-rhzz.html

Brisbane suffers measles scare
April 1, 2010 - 7:39PM
AAP
Health authorities are working to track down people who may have been exposed to the measles on a Brisbane train.

Queensland Health said people who travelled between Brisbane International Airport and South Brisbane Railway Station last Saturday morning may have come in contact with the virus.

A New South Wales man diagnosed with measles was on the train around 9am (AEST).

He had flown from New Zealand earlier in the day, and passengers on the same flight who may be at risk have been contacted individually by Queensland Health or other State Health Departments...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/news/local/news/general/mountains-measles-alert/1834337.aspx


Mountains measles alert
19 May, 2010 10:58 AM

The Blue Mountains GP network has notified the Gazette there is a confirmed case of measles in the Blue Mountains.

The affected individual attended a large party at Blackheath earlier this month and a message alerting the party-goers has already been circulated.

?As the Upper Mountains has one of the lowest childhood immunisation rates in Australia the Blue Mountains GP Network is asking parents and young adults to be aware that measles is in the area and that it is very infectious,? said GP network spokesperson.

?Be aware of symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis (red and watering eyes) which may appear a few days before a rash. The rash starts at the neck and then spreads to body and limbs. If you suspect that you or your child may have measles and intend to visit your GP please tell practice staff so that they can help minimise the spread of infection to others.?

Complications from contracting measles include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea and in rare cases, encephalitis, which can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage.

The MMR vaccine is free for people under 45 years of age and protects against measles. If you have any concerns about measles or the MMR vaccine ask your GP and/or visit the MMR decision aid created by the National Centre for Immunisation research and surveillance (NCIRS).

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/07/2920169.htm

Alert issued over possible measles infection
Updated 7 hours 37 minutes ago


The WA Health Department has issued a warning about a potential measles outbreak in Royal Perth Hospital's emergency department.

A patient treated in the department last week has tested positive to measles and it is believed others may have been exposed to the highly infectious virus.

Health authorities are attempting to contact about 90 patients who visited the department between 5:00 pm on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 1st of June and 3:00 pm on the following day.

Paul Effler from the Health Department says most of the patients have been contacted.

"But, we know that we won't be able to reach everyone on a holiday weekend and there might have been some people that came to the emergency department that were not patients."

People particularly at risk include infants, unimmunised pregnant women and those with weak immunity.

Paul Effler is encouraging anyone who may be at risk to access preventative treatments.

"We'd ask people to act as soon as possible, certainly today or tomorrow because there's a window of when you can give preventative treatment and have it work and that's typically seven days after the exposure so we're coming close to the end of that window."

It is the second case of measles diagnosed in Perth in a fortnight.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, lethargy, sore red eyes and a widespread rash...

*****************
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/08/2921889.htm

Department finds most of those at risk of measles
Posted 2 hours 30 minutes ago

The Health Department has found 72 of the 87 people who could have been in contact with the measles virus at Royal Perth Hospital. (ABC TV)

The West Australian Health Department says it was not able to contact a handful of people who were in Royal Perth Hospital's emergency department last week with a woman who tested positive to measles.

The department issued a warning yesterday to anyone who was in the emergency department between 5.00pm (AWST) on the afternoon of Tuesday June 1 and 3.00pm on the following day.

The department was able to contact 72 of the 87 people they believed were at risk, and gave 11 people preventative treatment.

The remaining patients could not be contacted in time for them to access treatment and they are being told to watch for the symptoms of the virus including fever, lethargy, sore red eyes and a widespread rash.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wes...measles-outbreak/story-e6frg13u-1225878588606

Ambulance paramedic latest victim of RPH measles outbreak

* From: PerthNow
* June 11, 2010 3:35PM

A PARAMEDIC has become the latest victim of a measles outbreak at Royal Perth Hospital.

The Health Department confirmed the third case of measles in Perth this afternoon.

The paramedic is believed to have been exposed to the virus at the RPH emergency department in late May.

Medical Coordinator for Prevention and Control, Dr Paul Effler, said the department was working with St John Ambulance and Perth hospitals to reach susceptible people.

?Susceptible people may include co-workers and family who may have been in contact with the paramedic while he was contagious,? Dr Effler said.

?Measles is highly infectious but it can be prevented through vaccination.

?Everyone under 45 years of age should check to see that they have received two doses of the measles vaccine in the past...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/25/2937495.htm

Eight cases of measles after RPH outbreak

Posted 3 hours 30 minutes ago
Royal Perth hospital

The Department issued a warning after a woman with the highly contageous virus presented at the hospital's emergency department.

The Health Department says there's been eight confirmed cases of measles, after an outbreak at Royal Perth Hospital.

The Department issued a warning after a woman with the highly contageous virus presented at the hospital's emergency department on June the first...

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Measles case in Darwin prompts alert
Friday 09 July 2010

Territorians are being asked to be alert for measles following confirmation of a case of the highly contagious disease in a Darwin man this week.

The young adult became unwell several days after returning to Australia from the World Cup in South Africa and has been admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital with measles.

The patient attended the Palmerston CMAX Cinema on the evening of Friday 2July and there is a risk that other cinemagoers may have been exposed at that time. If so, they would be at risk of contracting measles if they did not have immunity to the disease.

The patient also attended two different GP surgeries on Monday and Tuesday, 5 and 6 July, and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is in the process of contacting people who attended these surgeries to provide exposure information and offer preventive treatment or booster immunisation as appropriate.

CDC Director Dr Vicki Krause said, "To be immune to measles you need to have had measles previously or have had two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, known as the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is given as part of the routine national vaccination schedule at 12 months and at four years."

"It is reassuring that we generally have a well-vaccinated population, however this is a timely reminder for all people to review their immunisation status and attend their local community care centre or their GP for immunisation if required."

Some people, particularly in the 18-30 years age group, may not have received two MMR vaccines due to changes in the national vaccination schedule. People are not considered immune to measles unless they have had two doses of MMR vaccine.

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed by a red blotchy rash 3-4 days later.

Up to one-third of people infected with measles will experience a complication. Complications are more common in young children and adults and include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and may require hospitalisation.

If you have symptoms of measles and intend to visit a healthcare facility it is important to phone in advance so that arrangements for infection control can be made to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.

"Once measles is introduced into a community it has the potential to spread through those who are not immune and may be passed on over several transmission cycles. We therefore ask that the community check their immune status now and get immunised if required.

"Measles is a vaccine-preventable illness so make sure you are not at risk - ensure you are immune by having two MMR vaccinations," Dr Krause added.
More information about measles is available online at:

http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets/index.aspx

CDC contact details: Business hours: (08) 8922 8044
After hours: (08) 8922 8888 and ask for the on-call CDC doctor.

Media contact: DHF Media Director, Robin Osborne, 0488 692 781

http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Agency/...ase_in_Darwin_prompts_alert/indexdl_3577.aspx

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=556><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=234></TD><TD vAlign=top width=312></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=740><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=184><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=4></TD><TD vAlign=top width=180><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=black><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" bgColor=#006699><TBODY><TR><TD>Navigation </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffcc><TBODY><TR><TD class=leftNavBlock2 height=25 vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=3><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=556 valign="top"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=white vAlign=top width=2></TD><TD vAlign=top width=554><!-- start: main content --><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 summary="" cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><INPUT id=Back onclick="apex.submit('Back');" value=Back type=button></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=apex_layout_271110100662109808 class=formlayout border=0 summary=""><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap align=right>Archive Number</TD><TD noWrap align=left>20100709.2299</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap align=right>Published Date</TD><TD noWrap align=left>09-JUL-2010</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap align=right>Subject</TD><TD noWrap align=left>PRO/EDR> Measles - Australia ex South Africa</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

MEASLES - AUSTRALIA ex SOUTH AFRICA***********************************A ProMED-mail post<http://www.promedmail.org>ProMED-mail is a program of theInternational Society for Infectious Diseases<http://www.isid.org>Date: Fri 9 Jul 2010From: Krispin Hajkowicz <Krispin.hajkowicz@nt.gov.au> [edited]

Laboratory-confirmed case of measles in a returned traveller from the FIFA World Cup in South Africa----------------------------------------------------------------------

A 24-year-old male travelled from Australia to South Africa. He did not seek pre-travel medical advice, but had been immunised as a child. He attended the following world cup matches:

England vs USA - Rustenberg 12 Jun 2010
Australia vs Germany - Durban 13 Jun 2010
England vs Algeria - Cape Town 18 Jun 2010
Australia vs Ghana - Rustenberg 19 Jun 2010
Australia vs Serbia - Nelspruit 23 Jun 2010

The patient did not fly during the period of communicability. He did however attend 2 family practitioner offices and a cinema in Darwin, Australia when infectious to others. He had a clinical presentation of fever, macular/confluent rash, prominent respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and Koplick's spots. Nose and throat swabs were positive for measles virus RNA. He is expected to make a complete recovery.

Given that the patient's symptoms first appeared on Fri 2 Jul 2010 and the rash appeared on Sun 4 Jul 2010, it could be speculated that he became infected in either Cape Town or Rustenberg. Transmission of measles within domed [roofed] sporting arenas has been described previously (1).

Given the large current outbreak of measles in South Africa (2), clinicians and public health officers should be alert to possible presentations of measles in returned travellers from the FIFA [Federation Internationale de Football Association] World Cup. Additional transmission may also have occurred in Darwin, Australia in late June/early July 2010. Young adults, such as this case, are at risk of measles infection as they may have only had one immunisation and consequently may have had insufficient protection.

References----------1. Ehresman KR, Hedberg CW, Grimm MB, et al: An outbreak of measles at an international sporting event with airborne transmission in a domed stadium. J Infect Dis 1995; 171(3): 679-83 [abstract available at<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7876616>].2. Baleta A: South Africa prepares for the football World Cup. Lancet Infect Dis 2010; 10(6): 373-4.--Krispin HajkowiczInfectious Diseases PhysicianDarwin, Northern TerritoryAustralia<Krispin.hajkowicz@nt.gov.au>[According to the WHO Measles fact sheet (<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/index.html>) the 1st sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about 3 days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days). It can be transmitted by an infected person from 4 days prior to the onset of the rash to 4 days after the rash erupts. The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to 2 hours.As of 28 Apr 2010, 12 227 cases of measles had been confirmed in an outbreak that started in South Africa in January 2009. Cases have been reported from all 9 provinces of South Africa, but the outbreak has been concentrated in the northeast of the country. A national programme to immunise children against measles took place between 12 and 23 Apr 2010.Travellers to South Africa to attend the FIFA World Cup were officially advised by the UK Health Protection Agency to ensure that they were up to date with the British Schedule of vaccination, which includes measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)<https://www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/2010worldcup_150210.htm>. The case described above justifies the appropriateness of this travel advice.A map showing the locations of the 9 provinces of South Africa can be accessed at<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-africa-provinces.htm>.The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Australia is available at<http://healthmap.org/r/00cS>. - Mod.CP][see also:Measles - Africa (10): South Africa (WC) 20100408.1132Measles - Africa (08): South Africa (WC), Zimbabwe (BU) 20100302.0692Measles - Africa (07): South Africa 20100212.0503Measles - Africa (05): South Africa (Cape) alert 20100202.0358Measles - South Africa (06): (GT) prisoners 20091026.3707Measles - South Africa (05): (GT) 20091013.3532Measles - South Africa (04): (GT) 20091002.3435Measles - Africa (03): South Africa (Johannesburg) 20090929.3399Measles - Africa: Namibia, Angola, South Africa 20090903.3105Measles - South Africa: (GT), alert 20090405.1319]...................................cp/mj/lm*##########################################################*************************************************************ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports thatare posted, but the accuracy and completeness of theinformation, and of any statements or opinions basedthereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks inusing information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISIDand its associated service providers shall not be heldresponsible for errors or omissions or held liable for anydamages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon postedor archived material.************************************************************Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:<http://www.isid.org/ProMEDMail_Donations.shtml>************************************************************Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>.Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT toan individual moderator). If you do not give your full namename and affiliation, it may not be posted. You may unsub-scribe at <http://www.isid.org/promedmail/subscribe.lasso>.For assistance from a human being, send mail to:<postmaster@promedmail.org>.########################################################################################################################






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[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/20/2988259.htm?section=justin

Traveller sparks NSW measles outbreak
By Sophie Gyles
Posted Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:02am AEST


People are being reminded to check their vaccination history before travelling overseas after an outbreak of measles on the New South Wales north coast.

The state's Health Department says five people have contracted the highly infectious illness after contact with a traveller who brought the disease into the area.

Two other travellers have also contracted the disease in recent weeks...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/20/2988356.htm

Experts fear measles may spread through Tweed
Posted Fri Aug 20, 2010 9:14am AEST


The North Coast Public Health Unit is warning of a measles outbreak in the Tweed area.

It says six students at a Tweed Heads school have been diagnosed with the highly-infectious virus after it was confirmed in a student who returned from overseas during the school holidays...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/20/2989179.htm

Concerns about swine flu, measles
By Siobhan Barry

Updated Fri Aug 20, 2010 5:21pm AEST

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is contacting staff and students at its School of Design after a student was diagnosed with swine flu.

QUT's acting registrar says the university is providing staff and students with advice about health precautions.

Meanwhile, Queensland Health (QH) is concerned a mine worker at Moranbah in the Central Highlands may have infected up to 150 workers with the measles.

A QH spokesman says the man contracted the disease overseas.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/measles-spreads-through-mine-workers/story-e6freon6-1225908757632

Measles spreads through mine workers

* Sophie Elsworth
* From: The Courier-Mail
* August 23, 2010 10:03AM

MORE than 150 mine workers in Central Queensland are at risk of contracting measles after coming into contact with a male colleague with the highly-contagious virus.

A mine worker at Moranbah, 190km southwest of Mackay was in a room with at least 150 workers last week before it was confirmed he had the disease.

Many of the mine workers fly in and out of the mining town which may have led to the spread of the disease.

It comes just several days after Tweed Heads schools sent warnings out to parents after an outbreak on the Gold Coast...

 

[tetano]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

There is a confirmed measles outbreak just south of the Queensland border according to Queensland Health authorities. There have been seven cases of this highly infectious disease at Tweed Heads, NSW, including a person who reportedly visited a McDonald?s restaurant at Coolangatta over the weekend. Any residents who visited the fast food outlet between 8am and 1pm on Saturday are advised to check their vaccination status.

The health authorities confirmed that the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine must be given within 72 hours of exposure. There have been six students from a high school in Tweed Heads who were diagnosed with measles last week.

Dr Steven Donohue, Tropical Regional Services Medical Officer assured that Queensland Health would actively investigate all cases and take steps to prevent further transmission. He said, ?In addition, we are alerting hospitals and GPs to watch for patients with measles symptoms in the coming weeks.? The QH also issued a warning that more than 150 mine workers in Moranbah, 190 kilometres south-west of Mackay, are at risk of contracting measles after coming into contact with a male colleague with measles. The virus is expected to spread from the miners since they travel more often said Dr. Donohue. He added, ?We?re concerned about the possibility of the measles virus spreading to the local community and other parts of the state, due to the large number of mobile shift workers.? He urged anyone born after 1966, who has not had two documented doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine or a proven case of measles, to visit their local doctor for a free extra vaccination dose.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing. The virus can last for several hours in the environment. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, a runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, followed a few days later by a red, blotchy rash.


http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100823/Measles-outbreak-in-northern-NSW-and-Queensland.aspx

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.tweednews.com.au/story/2010/08/28/measles-tweed-disease/

Measles spreads to eight in Tweed
James Perkins | 28th August 2010


EIGHT students have contracted measles in a Tweed Heads outbreak and health authorities are expecting more victims.

A student recently brought the disease back from an overseas holiday and subsequent cases have been confined to the student's siblings and fellow school students...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/10/3007811.htm

Measles cases recorded at Townsville hospital

By Penny Timms

Posted Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:34am AEST

* Map: Townsville 4810

Health authorities in Townsville are urgently trying to contact north Queensland residents who may have come in contact with measles.

Townsville now has three confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease.

Authorities say the latest two patients presented to the Townsville hospital while contagious, sparking concerns of further infection.

Queensland Health spokesman Dr Steven Donohue says authorities are urgently trying to contact anyone who was at the hospital from September 2 to 5 to see if they have developed symptoms.

He says measles is easily spread between people and Townsville residents should be prepared for a larger outbreak...

...Anyone who was at the hospital from from September 2 to 5 should contact Queensland Health.

 

[tetano]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

More potential measles cases being investigated

Queensland Health (QH) authorities are checking another two possible cases of measles in north Queensland.

There are now three confirmed cases of measles in Townsville which was thought to have originated from a traveller who returned home from South Africa last month.

QH public health medical officer Dr Steven Donohue says there have also been small outbreaks elsewhere around the country in the last few weeks.

"We had a case at Moranbah, we had a case in Gympie," he said.

"There was a separate cluster of several cases in northern New South Wales in August.

"All of these are very thoroughly chased by public health authorities to see if we can help interrupt the transmission of the disease."

Dr Donohue is warning north Queensland residents to check if they have been immunised against measles.

He says it is too risky not to get immunised.

"You can walk past somebody with measles in a supermarket while they're infectious and if you're not immune, then it's quite possible for you to get this disease," he said.

"Anyone born during or after 1966 should be checking whether they've had two recorded doses of MMR vaccine."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/13/3010111.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/20/3016278.htm

Sick inmate sparks measles warning

Updated 2 hours 24 minutes ago

The North Coast Public Health Unit has issued a health alert after an inmate transferred from the Grafton jail to the Kempsey jail was found to have measles...

...Anyone who visited the jail on Friday, August 27, on Fathers Day, or the weekend of September 11 and 12, is advised they may have been exposed to measles.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: 2010 Measles alerts/cases

Source: http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/measles-stops-court-hearing/1955067.aspx

Measles stops court hearing (NSW)
29 Sep, 2010 11:26 AM

A MEASLES outbreak at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre at Kempsey prevented five men from appearing in Taree Local Court yesterday to face serious charges arising out of a number of violent armed robberies in Taree over the past three-and-a-half weeks.

Police prosecutor Sgt Scott Davies told the court the Kempsey centre had gone into lock down with inmates in isolation and unable to attend court for at least two weeks as a means of preventing the spread of the disease...