A measles alert has been issued for two Sunshine Coast hinterland towns.
Queensland Health has been notified of confirmed cases of measles who spent time in public places in Kenilworth and Maleny while unknowingly infectious last week.
Members of the public who visited the areas listed below on the specified dates and times may have been exposed to the disease and need to be alert for symptoms for up to three weeks from the exposure date.
Measles is a highly infectious virus that is spread by coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
Symptoms usually start 7-10 days after contact with an infected person but can sometimes take as long as three weeks.
The initial symptoms of measles can include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and sore red eyes.
This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.
If you have any measles symptoms, you can arrange testing with your doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice.
If you think you may have measles, it is very important that you avoid public spaces.
Contact your GP and pathology services before attending so they can take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading measles to others.
When you call, state that you have been in contact with a measles case.
