Another measles case on Gold Coast

Authorities say a young man on the Gold Coast had just returned from Japan suffering with the measles.

Doctors are urging people to ensure they're vaccinated after another person was diagnosed with measles on the Gold Coast.

A Gold Coast man who recently returned from a family holiday in Japan tested positive to the viral infection after falling ill on the weekend, Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday.

The man is the third returning traveller to present with measles in the past three weeks and Dr Paul Van Buynder said all three cases involved people who weren't vaccinated.

Dr Van Buynder said many parts of Asia including Bali are experiencing measles outbreaks at the moment.

"The disease is preventable with a very effective and safe vaccine," he said.

"None of the recent cases were vaccinated.

"Anyone who develops measles-like symptoms within the next week should contact their GP for advice."

Dr Van Buynder said anyone who thinks they have contracted measles to contact a medical practice before arriving so staff can take precautions to avoid spreading the disease.

Gold Coast Health is also liaising with NSW Health after the most recent patient was seen over the weekend at Tweed Heads Hospital to contact all people who may have been exposed to the illness.

Symptoms of measles include a cough, runny nose and sore eyes with fever, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading.

The disease can lead to pneumonia and brain damage in serious cases and is particularly dangerous for young children.


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Source: AAP


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