Hey Guys, just wanted to do a quick update that there has been a measles case in Melbourne.
On the evening of Wednesday the 9th Jan a patron attending The Laird Hotel between 9pm and 12:30am was in the early stages of infection with the measles.
Other sites noted in Melbourne from Health Victoria:
- There has been an additional confirmed case of measles who may have been infectious whilst in and around Inner East and North East Melbourne between Wednesday 9 January and Friday 11 January 2019:
- Wednesday 9 January: Hooking Restaurant, Kew East (7.00pm to 8.30pm) and Laird Hotel, Abbotsford (9.00pm and 12.30am)
- Thursday 10 January: Blackhearts and Sparrows, North Fitzroy (4.00pm to 4.35pm) and Colonel Tans at Revolver, Prahran (7.30pm to 9.30pm)
- Friday 11 January: Metro train Hurstbridge line, Collingwood to Ivanhoe (12.30am to 1.00am) and Prahran Aquatic Centre, Prahran (1.00pm to 4.00pm)
- This follows a previously reported case who may have been infectious whilst at Box Hill Hospital between Thursday 10 January and Sunday 13 January.
- Be alert for measles in patients presenting with a fever at rash onset, particularly if they attended the above places in the 7-18 days prior to onset of illness.
Measles can present as cold and flu like symptoms before a rash appears so there is a good chance the patron was not aware he was infectious.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- Measles begins like a bad cold with cough, muscle aches and pains, sore watery eyes and sometimes conjunctivitis.
- Patients become gradually more unwell, with a temperature, sometimes quite high.
- You might notice tiny white marks, known as ‘Koplik’s spots’, on the inside of the cheek and at the back of the throat.
- A rash appears after the third or fourth day. The spots are red and slightly raised. They may be blotchy, but not itchy. The rash begins behind the ears and spreads to the face and neck, then the rest of the body.
- The illness usually lasts about 10 days.
How is measles spread?
Measles is spread by droplets produced with coughing and sneezing, it can also be passed via kissing.
Measles immunisation.
Many Australian’s are immune to measles due to vaccination (MMR) or previous infection. If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated this can be tested via a blood test with your doctor.
If you are HIV positive you can have the measles vaccine as long as you are in good health with a CD-4 count above 200.
What to do if you think you have measles.
If you have any of the symptoms or concerns be sure to seek medical attention. If you are attending a hospital or GP be sure to let the staff aware you may have measles so they can provide you with a face mask to protect other people attending.
Your doctor will be able to help with the diagnosis and treatment.
If you have further information be sure to check Victorian Health Alerts
There are also active measles alerts in NSW with further information at NSW Health.
Measles Fact Sheet Available Here
video transcriptMeasles is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and it can be also transmitted through kissing. Most people in Australia have immunity against measles because of vaccination. However, if you are unsure if you have immunity, then it is worthwhile to have a chat with your doctor and a blood test can be done to check to see whether or not you have immunity to the measles virus.
Measles shows up with cold and flu-like symptoms. You can feel very, very croaked muscles, aches and pains. That normally starts a week to 18 days after you were exposed, and the most prominent thing is a rash. It’s a flat, red rash. When you push it, it doesn’t blanch. You can have quite high fevers. You can have a cough. You can have a very sore throat and a runny nose, as well.
If you have recently developed cold and flu-like symptoms with a rash, it could very well be measles and it’s important to get tested. Before you go in to see your doctor, let them know that you could’ve been exposed to measles, and that way they can provide you with a mask so you can avoid spreading it to any person’s who attending the hospital or the GP.
If you are living with HIV, it is worthwhile to consider the measles vaccine. Again, we can test to see whether you have immunity with a blood test and people who are living with HIV can be vaccinated against the measles with an MMR, mumps measles rubella vaccine, as long as you’re fit, healthy, and your CD4 count is above 200.
Of course, if you have any questions, please talk with your doctor, talk with your HIV provider if you have any questions. So, big thank you to The Laird Hotel for letting people know that there was a potential exposure to measles on the 9th of January on the evening of that Wednesday evening. So, if you’re starting to feel unwell or if you feel unwell somewhere between now and late January with a rash, it’s important to exclude measles. I hope this has been helpful.
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