Three new cases of measles have been confirmed in Queensland, sparking urgent health alerts from state authorities. Two cases were detected on the Sunshine Coast, while another was confirmed on the Gold Coast, with one of the infected individuals attending Clover Hill State School in Mudgeeraba while unknowingly contagious. Public health officials are warning residents who may have visited specific locations during the identified exposure periods to closely monitor for symptoms and seek medical guidance if they feel unwell.
The alerts highlight how rapidly measles can spread through schools, public venues, and local communities. Given the high transmissibility of this virus, anyone who visited the listed exposure sites should remain vigilant for up to three weeks. Queensland Health has reinforced the importance of vaccination, noting that individuals born after 1966 without documented proof of two measles vaccinations remain particularly vulnerable.
Locations and Exposure Sites Identified
Health authorities have issued a detailed list of exposure sites across both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Residents are advised to pay close attention to these times and places, as anyone present could have been exposed to the virus.
Gold Coast
- Clover Hill State School, Mudgeeraba: Tuesday, October 7, between 8.30am and 3.30pm.
- Afternoon school buses from the school to Austinville and from Tulipwood Drive, Bonogin, to Austinville: same date.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast has a longer list of locations spanning multiple days:
- Monday, October 13:
- Caloundra Minor Illness and Injury Clinic: 3pm – 3.35pm
- Caloundra Minor Illness and Injury Clinic: 9.50am – 11am
- The Coffee Club, 30 Esplanade, Bulcock Beach: 7.30am – 9am
- Sunday, October 12:
- Three Restaurant, 115 Bulcock St, Caloundra: 6pm – 10pm
- Powerboat Club, 2 Lamerough Pde, Caloundra: 9.30am – 12.30pm
- Saturday, October 11:
- Powerboat Club, 2 Lamerough Pde, Caloundra: 1.30pm – 5pm
- Café Sisily, 40 Landsborough Pde, Golden Beach: 10am – 11am
- Friday, October 10:
- Woolworths Caloundra: 1pm – 3pm
- Aldi Caloundra: 1pm – 3pm
- Thursday, October 9:
- McDonald’s Caloundra: 8.30pm – 11pm
- Powerboat Club: 7pm – 8.30pm, and again 9.30am – 1pm
- The Pocket Espresso Bar, 6 Seaview Tce, Moffat Beach: 7.30am – 9am
- Wednesday, October 8:
- Pelican Waters Bowls Club, 49 Nelson St, Golden Beach: 4pm – 5.30pm
- Woolworths Caloundra: 1pm – 3pm
- Powerboat Club: 10am – 12.30pm
Health officials recommend individuals who visited any of these sites during the specified timeframes should carefully monitor their health for three weeks.
Symptoms, Risks, and Preventive Steps
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, capable of lingering in the air for hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Queensland Health has urged people to be proactive in recognizing symptoms and reducing exposure risks.
Common early symptoms include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red or sore eyes
Later symptoms:
- A blotchy red rash, beginning on the face and spreading across the body, usually appearing a few days after the initial fever.
Who is at most risk?
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Anyone who has never had measles before.
- Those born in or after 1966 without proof of receiving two measles-containing vaccines.
What to do if exposed
- Stay alert to symptoms for up to three weeks.
- If symptoms appear, call your doctor before visiting to prevent spreading the virus in clinics.
- Avoid public spaces until cleared by a healthcare professional.
- Seek testing if symptoms develop.
- Call 13 HEALTH for medical advice.
Table: Queensland Health’s Key Measles Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Airborne (coughing, sneezing, direct contact with secretions) |
| Incubation period | 7–10 days, sometimes up to 21 days |
| Early symptoms | Fever, lethargy, runny nose, cough, sore eyes |
| Rash | Blotchy, starts on face, spreads across body |
| High-risk groups | Immunocompromised, unvaccinated, born after 1966 with no proof of 2 doses |
| Action if exposed | Monitor symptoms for 3 weeks, contact GP, avoid public spaces |
| Testing | Available via GP or referral from 13 HEALTH hotline |
Public Health Implications and Community Response
Measles outbreaks can escalate quickly when vaccination rates dip, even slightly. The current cluster highlights the importance of maintaining high community immunization coverage. Queensland Health stresses that vaccination is the best defense against measles, as two doses provide lifelong protection in most cases.
Public health teams are now conducting contact tracing to minimize further spread. Local schools, clinics, and community venues are on alert, while residents are encouraged to confirm their vaccination records. Those who are unsure about their immunization status are advised to speak with their GP about receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Communities play a vital role in slowing outbreaks. By staying informed, isolating if symptomatic, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date, individuals help protect vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.
Trending FAQs
Q1: How long after exposure do measles symptoms usually appear?
Symptoms typically begin 7–10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days.
Q2: Can measles be treated with medication?
There is no specific cure. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing complications.
Q3: How effective is the MMR vaccine?
Two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.
Q4: What should I do if I’m not sure about my vaccination history?
Consult your GP. Receiving another dose of the MMR vaccine is safe even if you were already immunized.
Q5: Why is measles considered so dangerous?
Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in rare cases, death. It spreads more easily than most other infectious diseases.
