One Bali traveller brought back more than just souvenirs—now Aussies are on health alert
- Replies 0
A Bali holidaymaker returned to Queensland carrying more than just souvenirs—and their journey has triggered an urgent statewide health alert.
Authorities confirmed the traveller was unknowingly infectious with measles while moving through busy public spaces.
Now, anyone who crossed paths with them has been urged to watch closely for symptoms in the coming days.
The infected traveller flew on Jetstar flight JQ60 from Bali to Brisbane on 19 August, landing at 5:40 am.
They moved through Brisbane Airport until 7:10 am before continuing with their day unaware of the danger.
That evening, they visited Yamanto Aldi between 5:50 pm and 6:40 pm.
Just days later, on 23 August, they shopped at Footes Pharmacy in Boonah before presenting at the Boonah Hospital emergency department.
Health officials confirmed the risk to the public had since passed but urged anyone who was at those locations during the listed times to remain alert.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically appears several days later.
Doctors believe the traveller contracted the infection overseas before returning home.
‘Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily, especially through coughing and sneezing,’ Dr Catherine Quagliotto from West Moreton Health said.
She warned that even brief exposure could result in infection and stressed that vaccination remained the best form of protection.
Complications from measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, with some cases requiring hospitalisation.
Around one in 1000 patients can develop encephalitis—an infection of the brain.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear.
Authorities urged anyone experiencing signs of measles to call ahead before visiting a GP or hospital to prevent further spread of the virus.
Health alerts like this one serve as a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread once they cross borders.
It’s not the first time travellers have unknowingly carried measles into busy public spaces.
Another recent case shows just how easily exposure can happen, even in popular destinations.
Read more: Are you at risk? Health officials warn tourists after infected man visits popular Aussie destinations
Would you know what to do if a sudden health alert named a location you had recently visited?
Authorities confirmed the traveller was unknowingly infectious with measles while moving through busy public spaces.
Now, anyone who crossed paths with them has been urged to watch closely for symptoms in the coming days.
The infected traveller flew on Jetstar flight JQ60 from Bali to Brisbane on 19 August, landing at 5:40 am.
They moved through Brisbane Airport until 7:10 am before continuing with their day unaware of the danger.
That evening, they visited Yamanto Aldi between 5:50 pm and 6:40 pm.
Traveller infectious on flight and shopping trip. Image source: Pexels/Anna Shvets
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Just days later, on 23 August, they shopped at Footes Pharmacy in Boonah before presenting at the Boonah Hospital emergency department.
Health officials confirmed the risk to the public had since passed but urged anyone who was at those locations during the listed times to remain alert.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically appears several days later.
Doctors believe the traveller contracted the infection overseas before returning home.
‘Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily, especially through coughing and sneezing,’ Dr Catherine Quagliotto from West Moreton Health said.
She warned that even brief exposure could result in infection and stressed that vaccination remained the best form of protection.
Complications from measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, with some cases requiring hospitalisation.
Around one in 1000 patients can develop encephalitis—an infection of the brain.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear.
Authorities urged anyone experiencing signs of measles to call ahead before visiting a GP or hospital to prevent further spread of the virus.
Health alerts like this one serve as a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread once they cross borders.
It’s not the first time travellers have unknowingly carried measles into busy public spaces.
Another recent case shows just how easily exposure can happen, even in popular destinations.
Read more: Are you at risk? Health officials warn tourists after infected man visits popular Aussie destinations
Would you know what to do if a sudden health alert named a location you had recently visited?
