Measles case puts hospitals on alert

HEALTH officials are warning that an infectious disease could have spread to Townsville and Cairns after a tourist contracted measles.

Three major North Queensland health services issued a warning yesterday to people in Townsville and Cairns about an infectious case of measles.

Public health senior medical officer Dr Julie Mudd said an adult female tourist had developed measles while staying in Townsville.

The woman was understood to be in the Cairns area on March 15 before catching a Greyhound bus to Townsville that departed at 1.45pm.

She visited Rambutan Backpackers between March 15 and March 20 and a Terry White Chemmart in Flinders St on March 19 about 1.30pm.

GPs and hospitals have been notified of the possibility of measles cases presenting over the next two weeks.

Dr Mudd said information had been sent to the venues with workers and patrons being contacted where possible.

“It is important to make clear that these businesses have not been responsible for causing any risk to public health,” Dr Mudd said.

“We appreciate the co- operation we have received from management of these establishments in facilitating followup of staff and vaccination as required.

“Anyone born after 1965 who was in these areas and who has not been fully vaccinated against measles ( two doses of MMR) should see their GP immediately.”

The warning was issued in a joint statement by Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland health authorities.