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Middlemount Measles Case Triggers Exposure Alerts in Queensland

Health officials warn low vaccination leaves Australia vulnerable to imported measles.

Overview

  • Mackay Hospital and Health Service listed exposure times at Middlemount Gym on September 12–14 and 17–18, and at the shopping centre, IGA and pharmacy on the morning of September 17.
  • Queensland has logged at least 16 measles cases this year across Cairns, the Gold Coast and now Middlemount, with recent infections largely recorded in adults.
  • Australia has reported 121 measles notifications so far in 2025, and an infectious‑disease expert cautions the upward trend could jeopardize the country’s measles‑elimination status.
  • Cairns’ cluster led to exposure alerts including the hospital maternity ward, three hospitalisations, and targeted mask rules in vulnerable wards.
  • Authorities link recent cases to overseas travel, including Bali, and urge MMR vaccination, noting two doses are about 98% effective and Queensland’s one‑year‑old coverage is 90.35% against a 95% target.