Health authorities in Queensland have issued warnings to residents of Brisbane and the Gold Coast following confirmed measles cases linked to concerts, tourist attractions, and major hospitals.
On Wednesday night, Queensland Health issued an official measles alert after a person with the disease was confirmed to have visited two hospitals in Brisbane. Three additional cases were linked to a Jelly Roll concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, while another case was confirmed at a Sea World event on the Gold Coast late last month.
The public health alert specifically referenced the concert, which took place on Friday, October 24, noting that the infected individuals had subsequently visited locations across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Wide Bay while infectious.
A separate case in Brisbane spent time at St Vincent’s Private Hospital between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and North West Private Hospital between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. On the Gold Coast, attendees of SeaWorld’s “Spooky Nights” event on October 24 were advised to monitor for symptoms after a confirmed case was present at the park from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Wednesday’s announcement, officials confirmed additional measles cases in central Queensland and the West Moreton regions, bringing the state’s total to 30 cases in 2025.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7–10 days after exposure, but can take up to three weeks. The disease spreads through coughing, sneezing, or nasal and oral secretions. Initial symptoms include fever, lethargy, runny nose, moist cough, and sore red eyes, followed by a blotchy red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads across the body.
Severe complications, such as blindness and brain swelling, are more common in young children and adults over 30. The disease is preventable with a safe and routine vaccine, which offers 97% protection after two doses.
Queensland Health urged anyone who was at the affected public locations during the relevant times to monitor for symptoms and seek testing immediately if symptoms appear. Authorities also encouraged all residents to get vaccinated, noting that the vaccine is provided free of charge in the state.
