Measles Alert Issued on the Gold Coast: Parents Warned to Be on High Alert After Confirmed Case at Local School
- A measles alert has been issued for parts of the Gold Coast after a confirmed case at a local school.
- The infected person attended Clover Hill State School while unknowingly infectious, putting hundreds of students and staff at risk.
- The alert comes as a stark reminder for parents to ensure their children’s vaccination status is up to date, with measles being a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening virus.
A measles alert has been issued for parts of the Gold Coast after a confirmed case of the highly infectious virus was reported at a local school. In a shocking development, the infected individual attended Clover Hill State School in Mudgeeraba while unknowingly infectious, sparking fears that hundreds of students and staff may have been exposed.
Health authorities have confirmed that the case attended school on Tuesday, October 7, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, and also rode on public transport while infectious. Anyone who spent time at the school or on the flagged school buses at the specified dates and times may have potentially been exposed to measles.
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread by coughing, sneezing, or through direct contact with fluid from the nose or mouth. Initial symptoms may include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore red eyes, but can take up to three weeks to present.
In a dire warning, health authorities have urged anyone experiencing symptoms to arrange testing with a doctor and avoid public spaces. “If you are unsure of your vaccine status, contact your doctor to discuss whether you may need a vaccine,” they said.
Experts have stressed that vaccination is the best way to protect against measles, with most Australians able to be vaccinated against the disease. “People who have been vaccinated against or previously contracted measles are very unlikely to catch the disease even if they have been exposed,” according to Queensland Health.
The alert has sent shockwaves through the community, with parents urged to be vigilant and ensure their children’s vaccination status is up to date. With measles being a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening virus, it is crucial that parents take immediate action to protect their loved ones.