Measles Alert

Metro North Public Health Unit advises clinicians to be alert for the signs and symptoms of measles, after a case was notified in Brisbane’s northern suburbs this week. A traceback of movements indicates that the person probably acquired the infection at the Jelly Roll concert, Boondall, Friday 24 October 2025. Additional cases related to the concert have been identified in other parts of Queensland and there is concern that further cases may emerge following the concert exposure.

A complete list of measles exposure sites can be found on the Queensland Health website at: Health alerts and warnings | Queensland Health.

Clinical features of measles

• generalised, non-itchy, maculopapular (morbilliform) rash that often begins on the face and neck
• fever ≥38 degrees that is usually still present at the time of rash onset
• cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and Koplick spots on the buccal mucosa (salt grains on a red background).

Anyone born during or after 1966 who has not received two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR), or who does not have serological evidence of measles immunity, is considered susceptible to measles.

Notify all suspected measles cases to your local Public Health Unit immediately. For suspected cases who live in Metro North area, notify Metro North Public Health Unit on 07 3624 1111.

Testing guidance 

• Advise suspected cases to phone ahead before attending any health service or pathology collection site
• Display “Think it might be measles?” awareness posters in waiting areas
• Refer to the Quick reference chart for measles management, specimen collection and notification procedures
• Notify your local Public Health Unit immediately on clinical suspicion
  • Do not wait for laboratory confirmation

Prevention 

• Measles vaccination is available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
  • All children (as per routine schedule)
  • Anyone born during or since 1966 who has not received two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine (at least four weeks apart)
• Travellers should ensure they are fully vaccinated before overseas travel
• Consider an individual risk assessment and early vaccination for infants aged <12 months if travelling to areas with measles transmission

Consider opportunistic vaccination for unimmunised patients attending for any reason.

 The vaccine is free for anyone born during or after 1966 who doesn’t already have 2 documented doses. Measles vaccination is particularly important for those travelling overseas. Infants aged <12 months may have a single dose of MMR if travelling overseas, from 6 months of age. This dose is in addition to the scheduled doses at 12 and 18 months of age.

Access further communicable disease control guidance for measles via Queensland Health.

Measles resources have been developed and are now available to download and print.

• Think measles? Act fast - alert poster for clinical areas
• Think it might be measles?  – alert poster for waiting areas
• Measles - what you need to know – fact sheet
• Exposed to someone with measles?  – fact sheet