A measles outbreak in Far North Queensland has prompted health authorities to issue warnings following a surge in infections linked to backpacker hostels in Cairns. The outbreak, which the government declared on September 11, stemmed from a tourist who hadn’t stayed at the “Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront” hostel. The first case was ignited by a patient returning from Bali at the end of August. This has now led to six additional confirmed cases, including new infections in healthcare workers.
Health officials have noted that the number of measles cases in the region has more than doubled since the outbreak began. As noted by Dr. Jacqueline Murdoch, the former chief health officer, the majority of cases are primarily confined to travelers and backpackers. Many of these people have already departed the state. Consequently, the risk of ongoing transmission and further spread is higher.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Response
Dr. Murdoch used a 92 percent vaccination rate for children under five in the Cairns area as an example. While this high coverage helps protect the community, health experts stress the importance of vaccination as a critical defense against the disease.
“People who are vaccinated often have a milder version of the disease and often don’t require hospitalization,” Dr. Murdoch stated. She reiterated that even with high measles vaccination rates it is still a significant danger, especially for those who are unvaccinated.
The rapid spread of measles is alarming. Dr. Selvey pointed out that one infected individual can potentially transmit the virus to 18 to 20 others if they are not immune. This example highlights the public necessity for awareness and vigilance.
New Exposure Sites and Health Recommendations
Due to the outbreak, Cairns Hospital has designated its maternity ward as a secondary exposure site. Public health experts have urged anyone entering health care settings—hospitals, clinics, labs, anything—to be masked in order to prevent a higher risk of transmission. Leena Singh, a spokeswoman for Cairns Hospital, said they wanted to avoid risk by taking proactive steps.
“It will minimize the risk, so anyone visiting those areas will be required to enter in with a mask which we will provide,” Singh explained. In particular, she pointed to how staff who tested positive have been monitored closely to determine the likelihood of patient exposure.
Dr Selvey added that measles is still circulating in the community. Without increased vaccination rates, the disease can and will spread quickly.
“Measles is out in the community already and transmission may be occurring everywhere, and the hospital is no different from that.” – Leena Singh
Health officials want to remind residents to know their vaccination status. Measles can cause fever, watery eyes, and rash. People who are sick or have symptoms should call local health services for direction.
Community Impact and Future Considerations
As the outbreak persists, health officials are still focused on tracking new cases and where they might be infected from. Dr. Murdoch reassured us that we’ve made clear connections with the majority of the confirmed cases. Even as investigations continued, some were still fixated on this seventh case.
Dr. Murdoch further explained that “the majority of cases are in travelers and backpackers. Others have evacuated the area, with many potentially returning home in the next few days. This puts a strain on containment efforts as those who are infected travel to other places.
Public health experts are alarmed by recent measles outbreaks in other nations. As Dr. Selvey told us, this is no joking matter. As an alarming example, he noted that so far this year, measles has led to three American deaths.
“In the United States there’s been three deaths this year in their measles outbreaks.” – Associate Professor Linda Selvey
Authorities continue to monitor vaccination rates and community awareness efforts as they work to curb this outbreak. They argue that kids don’t typically get measles vaccinations until they’re at least one year old. Infants as young as six months can receive the vaccine, so long as it’s justified.
