A major health alert has been issued in Queensland after a 2-year-old boy tested positive for measles, sparking concerns that hundreds of people may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease.
The Little Wanderer
The young boy, who lives in the Brisbane area, traveled through multiple Australian airports, visiting several locations in the process. His journey began in Bangkok and ended in Brisbane, with stops at Melbourne airport in between. During his travels, he attended the Prince Charles Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department on December 10 and 12, putting numerous people at risk of contracting the disease.
Exposure Locations
In addition to the hospital visits, the toddler attended a QUT graduation ceremony at The Star on December 10, as well as the Nundah Family Practice and Lumus Imaging on December 12. Authorities are now scrambling to track down anyone who may have come into contact with the child during these visits.
The Threat of Measles
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases out there, spread through tiny droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to Public Health Physician Dr. Megan Young, symptoms typically appear around 10 days after contact with an infected person, but can occur anywhere between 7 and 18 days later.
Protection is Key
Dr. Young is urging anyone born from 1996 who has not received two documented doses of the measles vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “Measles is a serious disease that can have serious complications, especially for young children and people with weakened immune systems,” she warned.
What to Look Out For
If you were in any of the locations mentioned above around the same time as the infected child, be on the lookout for symptoms like fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore and red eyes. These symptoms are usually followed by a blotchy, red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
What to Do If You’re Infected
If you develop measles-like symptoms within the next three weeks, stay home and contact your GP for advice. It’s essential to call ahead and let the medical practice know that you may have measles, so they can take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others.
A Growing Concern
This latest health alert comes on the heels of two separate cases of measles detected in travelers who returned to Perth from Singapore earlier this month. With the festive season in full swing, health authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this highly contagious disease.
Stay Informed
To stay up-to-date on the latest measles alerts and exposure locations, visit the WA Health alert website. Remember, measles is a serious disease that can have serious consequences – get vaccinated, stay informed, and help keep your community safe!