The Metro South Health Public Health Unit has confirmed a case of measles, in a child in the Brisbane area. The person was in a number of locations whilst unknowingly infectious. Residents in the Brisbane and Logan areas in particular need to be alert for symptoms.

The spread of certain infectious diseases can be reduced by excluding the child or Educator, known to be infectious, from contact with others who are at risk of catching the infection. The following information details the recommended exclusion periods for infectious diseases. These are based on how long a child/educator with a specific disease is likely to be infectious and to be excluded from the service until they have passed the exclusion period and well enough to return. 

For all NSW children between 6 months and 5 years old, free flu vaccinations will now be available. The program will target more than 400,000 children across the state.

NSW Health has issued an alert for an outbreak of measles in South Western and Western Sydney. 

Three infants and a young adult from the western Sydney region, and a young adult from Queensland who spent time in far northern NSW, have contracted the disease.

Of the cases, the three were infants were too young to be vaccinated and the adult could not remember their vaccination status. One infant acquired the disease from a previously reported case.

• Known locations that patients visited while infectious with measles include:
• Hillsong Church, Bella Vista 26 March - 11am-12:30pm
• Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown 25 March – lunch period
• Costco Lidcombe 24 March - lunch period
• Total Tools, Parramatta Rd, - Auburn 24 March – early afternoon
• Toongabbie RSL 23 March - between 5:30 – 7:30pm
• Auburn town centre 23 March - between 11am – 1pm
• Chester Hill Minett’s Pharmacy - around 8pm

It is important for everyone to ensure that they have received at least two doses of measles containing vaccine (MMR). Infants and young children are vaccinated with measles containing vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age. Older children and adults born during or after 1966 should ensure that they have been vaccinated with two doses of vaccine. The Measles vaccine is free, so please make sure you visit you local GP and make sure you have had the recommended 2 doses. 

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

People with measles symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible, stay home from work or school, and limit other activities to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.Children shold be excluded for 4 days after the onset of the rash

For more information in regards to signs, symptoms and prevention of measles, read: Measles

Reference: 

NSW Health Alert: Potential Measles Outbreak

Measles is a serious disease that is easily spread through the air. Immunisation is effective in preventing the disease. All children and adults born during or after 1966 should be vaccinated with 2 doses of measles containing vaccine if not already immune.

Four children have been hospitalised after they contracted gastroenteritis at the same childcare centre in Sydney's lower north shore. 

According to the Australian Medical Association, Queensland is on the brink of an influenza epidemic with thousands of cases been diagnosed just this month (August). 

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread by fluids produced during coughing and sneezing, or by direct contact with those fluids on surfaces. 

Whooping cough outbreaks have been on the rise across the country. Cases are up between of 100 to 300 percent across Australian states. 

Whooping cough is a highly infectious diseases. It takes 7 to 20 days after infection for symptoms of whooping cough to appear. It begins like a cold and then it causes uncontrolled coughing and vomiting for up to several months.