New case identified in Jelly Roll measles cluster

A fourth person had been added to a measles cluster emerging from an October concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

On Wednesday evening three people who attended American rapper Jelly Roll’s October 24 concert at the Boondall venue tested positive for measles, more than a week since being exposed.

Queensland Health added a fourth confirmed case on Sunday morning, who had been unknowingly infectious for about a week across locations in suburbs in and around Logan, including Mustang Brothers Football Club, in Chambers Flat, and Logan Hospital’s emergency department.

Logan Hospital (pictured) has been added to the list of potential measles exposure sites following a concert in late October.Credit: Dan Peled

Queensland Health released an initial public health alert on Wednesday night warning people who attended the October concert to watch for symptoms for up to three weeks.

Symptoms include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough and red eyes. After a few days, a red rash will develop, often starting on the face.

Anyone who thinks they have measles should organise to get tested but avoid public places.

Two other cases unrelated to the show were confirmed in the Central Queensland West Moreton regions across the week.

On Wednesday, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said measles cases were on the rise.

“Currently, we’re seeing higher numbers of measles cases not only in Queensland, but across the country. In Queensland, a total of 30 measles cases have been reported this year to date,” she said.

Testing is available at GPs and some hospitals in Brisbane, although medical experts advised anyone who suspected they had measles to stay away from public spaces and call their doctor or a health professional for advice.

Treatment for measles generally includes rest, keeping hydrated, and over-the-counter pain relief.

Most people recover within four days of a rash appearing and complications are rare, although in such instances measles can cause severe illness.

Queensland Health considers at-risk groups to be anyone who is unvaccinated and born after 1965, is immunocompromised, or who has never contracted measles.

Most Australians are fully vaccinated against measles – with a 93.8 per cent uptake in children over five – with the government offering a free two-dose vaccine program for infants.

The Brisbane measles cluster was traced back to a concert from American rapper Jelly Roll, held in late October.Credit: Richard Clifford

The vaccine is also free for adults aged under 20, and anyone entering the country for humanitarian reasons that might need a catch-up vaccination.

People who have previously contracted measles are unlikely to become reinfected, and there is no booster shot for the MMR/MMRV vaccines.

Vaccination is not possible for people who might be pregnant, have a compromised immune system, or have had allergic reactions to any previous dose or component of a measles vaccine.

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