Health authorities in Queensland have issued a high alert after three individuals, unknowingly infectious with measles, attended a concert by US country-rap artist Jelly Roll in Brisbane. The event, held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall on Friday, October 24, drew thousands of fans, all of whom are now considered potential contacts.
Extensive Public Exposure Risk
Queensland Health has confirmed that three unconnected concertgoers were diagnosed with measles after attending the show. This has raised significant concerns about further community transmission. "Members of the public who attended this event may have been exposed to the disease and need to be alert for symptoms for up to three weeks from the exposure date," a statement from Queensland Health warned.
The health department also revealed that the infected individuals spent time in various locations across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Wide Bay areas while contagious, broadening the potential exposure sites.
More Cases Expected, Low Vaccination Rate
Queensland's chief health officer, Dr Catherine McDougall, stated it is "highly likely" more cases will be detected in the coming days. "Given the way measles transmits, and given that the concert was indoors with a lot of people standing close together, there will definitely be more people who have contracted measles," Dr McDougall said.
Of the five measles cases confirmed in Queensland this week, three are linked to the Jelly Roll concert. Alarmingly, only one of the five newly confirmed cases was reportedly vaccinated. All those infected are aged between 30 and 49. Two additional, unrelated measles cases were also confirmed in Central Queensland and the West Moreton regions.
Dr McDougall indicated that an extensive list of exposure sites would be released within the next 24 to 48 hours and that NSW Health had been notified as Jelly Roll's tour continued to other states.
What You Need To Do
Authorities are urging anyone who attended the Brisbane concert or was at the following locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms for up to three weeks after potential exposure:
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall: Friday 24 October, 5pm - 12am
- St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, Chermside: Saturday 8 November, 8am - 12pm
- North West Private Hospital, Everton Park: Saturday 8 November, 12pm - 1pm
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 18 days after contact and can include:
- Fever and lethargy
- Runny nose and moist cough
- Sore, red eyes
- A blotchy red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
The illness is highly infectious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. People who have been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine or have previously had measles are unlikely to catch the disease. The MMR vaccine is free and available at GP clinics and community pharmacies.
Queensland Health advises anyone developing symptoms to stay home and call their GP or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread. Full exposure details are available on the Queensland Health website.
