Queensland Health’s Metro North Public Health Unit has been notified of one case of measles associated with Stuartholme School. The case was at School while infectious to others between Monday 5 May and Monday 12 May 2014. The case was not aware they were infectious at this time and the disease can be passed on before a person becomes unwell.
This is an important Public Health matter and we ask for parent cooperation with the School and Queensland Health to help prevent the further spread of measles.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person by droplets during coughing or sneezing. People who are not immune to measles and were exposed to the case while infectious may develop the infection during the next three weeks. Those born during or since 1966 and who have not had a measles containing vaccine (usually the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or MMR) are most likely to be susceptible to measles infections.
The School is following the Metro North Public Health Unit’s recommendations to prevent the further spread of measles:
- Students and staff who are not immune to measles, that is they do not have 2 documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine or other evidence of measles immunity, should be excluded from school and remain isolated at home until 30 May (with the date to be revised if there are further measles cases)
- Students and staff who have a previous documented single dose of a measles-containing vaccine may return to school upon receipt of a second documented dose, however, these students/staff should be restricted from attending events external to the school (eg interschool sport) until the 30 May
- Any student or staff who has a condition that suppresses the immune system (regardless of vaccination status) should be excluded from school and remain isolated at home until 30 May (with the date to be revised if there are further measles cases)
- Pregnant staff who do not have 2 documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine or other evidence of measles immunity should be excluded from school and remain isolated at home until 30 May (with the date to be revised if there are further measles cases)
- Boarding students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for advice on isolation and activity restrictions, but the use of public transport, including air travel, is strongly discouraged.
- Anyone who develops symptoms of measles in the next few weeks, as described in the measles fact sheet found on the Queensland Health website, should remain away from school and seek medical advice. This includes people who are considered immune to measles as there is a small possibility they may still develop the disease. Please phone your doctor before you see them so that appropriate precautions can be taken to limit the spread of the disease in the medical setting.
Staff and students who are excluded from school should also exclude themselves from activities and outings outside the home and avoid inviting visitors to their home, particularly if the visitors may not be immune to measles.
Parents are advised to take this opportunity to ensure the whole family, including themselves, are vaccinated against measles and therefore protected in the event of future exposure to the disease.
Additional information to parents and staff will be communicated via email. Stuartholme School will continue to work closely with Queensland Health to ensure the safety, health and well-being of each girl and family, the staff and broader community.
All enquiries should be directed to the Metro North Public Health Unit on (07) 3624 1111 between 9 am and 4.30 pm weekdays or 13HEALTH outside these hours.
Media contact: Amanda Houston, 0400 399 089.
