Six measles cases spark urgent health warning across Far North Queensland

An urgent health warning has been issued following multiple measles cases linked to people moving through busy public places while unknowingly contagious.

Six confirmed cases have now been recorded in Cairns and surrounding areas.

Queensland Health has released a growing list of exposure sites.

These include the Cairns Hospital maternity ward, emergency department, shopping centres, fast food outlets, and a string of restaurants and backpacker hostels across Cairns, Smithfield, Mareeba and Dimbulah.

Among the public locations visited are Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, KFC Mareeba, the Seabreeze Café at Cairns Hospital, and venues such as Ollies Italian Restaurant and Coral Sea Brewing.

“Members of the public who visited these areas may have been exposed to the disease and need to be alert for symptoms,” Queensland Health said in an official alert on Tuesday.

For a full list of exposure locations, dates and times visit the Queensland Health measles alert page.

The exposure period spans from late August to mid-September, with some individuals spending hours in hospital settings and cafés during peak times while infected.

Symptoms to look out for

Measles symptoms usually start 7 to 10 days after exposure, but in some cases can take up to three weeks to appear.

Early signs include:

• Fever
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Runny nose
• Moist cough
• Red, sore eyes

A few days later, a blotchy red rash typically begins on the face and spreads across the body.

Queensland Health said people who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) or previously had the illness are very unlikely to catch measles, even after exposure.

Authorities are urging anyone who develops symptoms to avoid public places and contact their GP or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to arrange testing. It is important to call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid further spread.