Key points:
- Six confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Cairns. See Current health alerts Measles alerts for exposure sites.
- Clinicians should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, especially in returning overseas travelers or those with potential exposure.
- Suspected measles cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified immediately to local public health unit.
THINK measles
Suspect measles in any person presenting with:
- fever and rash (especially maculopapular rash starting on the face)
- recent travel or contact with a confirmed case of measles
- cough or conjunctivitis or koplik spots
Who is most at risk?
- infants under 12 months who are too young to be vaccinated against measles
- members of the community who are not fully vaccinated
- people with a weakened immune system.
Measles Precautions Checklist
- Use signage asking patients to call your facility if they have relevant symptoms
- Encourage staff vaccination
- Immediately isolate symptomatic patients and provide them with a mask
- Leave room vacant for 30 minutes after being used to assess potential cases
- Notify your local public health unit immediately of suspected cases
Management
- Test for measles and isolate patient.
- Notify the pathology service prior to testing for suspected measles.
- Notify the local Public Health Unit immediately on clinical suspicion to allow timely follow up of high risk contacts.
- Provide MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure for non-immune contacts. MMR-containing vaccines are contraindicated in pregnant women. Normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) may be recommended by public health authorities.
Prevention
- Anyone born during or since 1966 is recommended to have two documented doses of a measles containing vaccine given at least four weeks apart. These doses are government funded.
- Travellers who are not immune or are unsure of their vaccination history should be vaccinated before their departure from Australia.
- Consider an individual risk assessment for infants aged <12 months, as vaccination is recommended and funded for infants from 6 months of age travelling to any region where measles is endemic or where outbreaks are occurring (in Australia or overseas)
- Measles | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au) - provides clinical guidelines about measles vaccines and recommendations for vaccination
Further information
- Current health alerts Measles alerts
- QH fact sheet Measles (health.qld.gov.au)
- Measles | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au)
- Homepage | Smartraveller
