Health officials on the Gold Coast have warned the public about measles again after confirmed cases led to new alerts across south east Queensland. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
The Gold Coast Public Health Unit has put out several measles alerts in recent months after cases were found in the area. Some of those infections were picked up locally.
One alert came after a confirmed case visited the Gold Coast in December 2025 without knowing they were infectious. Another alert in November involved a case that was caught locally.
The warnings are part of a bigger rise in measles cases across Queensland. As of early 2026, nine cases have been reported across the state. Five were caught overseas and four were caught locally but all were linked to imported cases.
Queensland Health also put out alerts for Brisbane International Airport and the Sunshine Coast after two confirmed cases were found at the airport in March 2026.
Most of the current risk is coming from overseas travel. Health officials have pointed to new cases in people returning from South East Asian countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines where outbreaks are still happening.
Measles spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a red spotty rash. They usually show up around 10 days after exposure but it can take up to 18 days.
Officials are telling Gold Coast residents to check their vaccination status now. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are needed for the best protection.
The MMR vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. In Queensland, it is also free for anyone born during or since 1966 who has not already had two doses.
People who are not sure whether they have been vaccinated are being told it is safe to get an extra dose.
The message from public health officials is simple, measles is spreading in the community and coming back with travellers from overseas. Now is not the time to assume you are protected.
Anyone who gets symptoms should call ahead before going to a doctor or emergency department. This helps stop the virus from spreading to others.
For more information, residents can contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit the Queensland Health website.
