Measles outbreak: Eight of 11 cases linked to Docklands workplace

September 30, 2017

Several more people in Melbourne have contracted measles, taking the current outbreak to 11 cases, Victoria’s Health Department says.

Eight of the 11 cases are connected through a workplace at the Collins Square building in Docklands and its immediate surroundings. Two other people affected passed through Melbourne’s international terminal on flights to and from Asia. Earlier cases in September included a baby boy, but the latest cases are all adults.

Officials issue urgent health warning

Another outbreak of measles in Melbourne prompts an urgent health warning by officials.

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Officials issue urgent health warning

Another outbreak of measles in Melbourne prompts an urgent health warning by officials.

Chief Health Officer Charles Best said those who worked in and around the Collins Square building needed to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Those who may have visited the same places as those infected also need to be alert:

September 20: Melbourne International Airport, Jetstar flight JQ 36, arriving from Denpasar.

September 20-22: Trains that passed through North Richmond, Southern Cross, Murrumbeena and South Yarra stations.

September 22: The Australian Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the State Theatre.

September 23: MCG – AFL preliminary final (Gate 5, Level 4); Greville St reet, Prahran; Chapel Street, Windsor; Maribyrnong Boathouse, The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds.

September 24: Melbourne International Airport, Qantas Club Lounge (8-10am); Qantas flight QF 29 to Hong Kong; Kmart Moonee Ponds; DFO Essendon.

Professor Guest said measles had an incubation period of seven to 18 days, and anyone who had visited those locations could potentially develop the symptoms up until mid-October.

The highly infectious viral disease usually begins with common cold symptoms, such as runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed by a fever and a rash. Measles can cause serious illness, particularly in very young children and adults, and can lead to pneumonia or other serious complications.

“The characteristic measles rash usually begins three to seven days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body,” Professor Guest said.

“Anyone developing symptoms is advised to ring ahead to their GP or hospital first and tell them that they have fever and a rash so that appropriate steps can be taken to avoid contact with other patients.”

He said measles was now uncommon in Australia because of widespread vaccination. However, the disease is still prevalent in many overseas destinations, including Bali.

For this reason, it was important that children continued to be immunised, Professor Guest said.

The measles vaccine, considered the best protection against measles, is recommended at 12 months and again at 18 months.

Most confirmed cases have so far been adults aged 26 to 52. The Health Department says most people over the age of 52 will have been exposed to measles in childhood, and therefore will be protected.

For more information about measles, go to https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles

Article source: http://watoday.com.au/queensland/alleged-whistleblower-cop-rick-flori-to-run-for-election-20170924-p4yw2j.html