Outbreak under control

AN OUTBREAK of the highly infectious measles virus has been contained across the south-west but doctors are still warning residents to be vigilant of warning signs.

The alert comes after an infected person was believed to have been at Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre at Target and Coles stores and The Nook cafe at Jindalee on June 3.

However Queensland Health has since advised the 10-day cooling off period for symptoms to surface passed last week with no news of additional outbreaks.

Bywater Medical Jindalee, located nearby The Nook cafe, had recently seen a few children with cold-like symptoms, but said they were not confirmed with the virus.

General practioner Dr Luke Holborn said measles were no longer common in Australia due to the successful immunisation program in place.

"Measles is very easy to pick up if you have not been vaccinated," Dr Holborn said.

"However, the vaccination efficiency is about 99%.

"The key is to make sure mums and dads vaccinate their kids. It's a free injection children receive at 12 months of age and then a booster at four years."

In some cases it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear after coming in contact with a contaminated person.

Public health medical officer Dr Brad McCall urged people in the affected locations during the same time as the infected individual to be weary of their health if they had not been immunised.

"Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases and is spread by tiny droplets through coughing and sneezing," Dr McCall said.

"The initial symptoms are fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore and red eyes, followed a few days later by a blotchy red rash.

"The rash starts on the face then becomes widespread."

Queensland Health said the infected person had no history of overseas travel and had acquired the disease in Brisbane.

The latest case followed another confirmation of the virus in Brisbane last month believed to have been contracted in south-east Asia.

Dr McCall urged anyone who believed they may have developed these symptoms to contact their GP for advice.

"It's very important to call the medical practice first to say you could have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others."

Queensland Health recommended anyone born during or since 1966, who had not had the two documented doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or had proven measles should visit their local GP to be vaccinated.

Dr Holborn said measles could be very distressing and could lead to complications.

"One in 1000 confirmed cases will develop pneumonia or encephalitis - swelling of the brain - which can result in mental retardation or death," he said.

For more information, contact your local GP or phone Queensland Health on 13 432 584.