Measles outbreak prompts vaccination calls

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http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/measles-outbreak-prompts-vaccination-calls-20100824-13jry.html

Measles outbreak prompts vaccination calls

Marissa Calligeros August 24, 2010 - 10:09AM

Queensland Health authorities are concerned about an outbreak of measles just south of the border.Seven cases of the highly infectious disease have been confirmed at Tweed Heads, including a person who reportedly visited a Mc’s restaurant at Coolangatta at the weekend.Queensland Health confirmed a Tweed Heads resident was contagious while visiting the Mc’s restaurant at 120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, on Saturday.Any residents who visited the fast food outlet between 8am and 1pm on Saturday are advised to check their vaccination status.The Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine must be given within 72 hours of exposure.It is understood six students from a high school in Tweed Heads were diagnosed with the disease last week.Dr Donohue, Tropical Regional Services Medical Officer said Queensland Health would continue to actively investigate all cases and take steps to prevent further transmission.“In addition, we are alerting hospitals and GPs to watch for patients with measles symptoms in the coming weeks,’’ Dr Donohue said.Queensland Health has also warned 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 the highly-contagious virus.Dr Donohue said he feared the disease would spread as many miners regularly flew in and out of the mining town.“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,” Dr Donohue said.Dr Donohue said Queensland Health recommends 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 among the most highly contagious disease in the world and can cause serious complications and even death.Symptoms include fever, lethargy, a runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, followed a few days later by a red, blotchy rash.