Five measles cases confirmed at University of Queensland in Brisbane

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Students walk through the Great Court at the University of Queensland.

There is a measles outbreak at the University of Queensland, with five cases now confirmed.

Queensland Health has escalated its response to the spread of the virus, with more than 30,000 people attending the university.

The first case was reported five weeks ago, when a student who returned from overseas became ill.

The worsening outbreak has prompted Queensland Health to set up a vaccination clinic at the St Lucia campus on Brisbane’s west side.

Queensland Health spokeswoman Dr Heidi Carroll said students who lived in UQ colleges who were unsure whether they had been vaccinated had been encouraged to attend the clinic.

“People who were born on or after 1 January 1966 and have received one documented dose of a measles containing vaccine are recommended to receive another measles vaccination,” she said.

Dr Carroll said people who were uncertain of their immunity to measles should speak to their GP immediately.

Ayesha Sheldon went to the university health clinic on Friday morning as she was not vaccinated against measles as a child.

“I’m just getting my second booster so I’m 100 per cent safe from getting measles,” she said.

Students were being encouraged to stay home if they were sick and to ensure they were fully vaccinated.

Authorities expect there will be more cases.