The Risks of Measles Spread During the AFL Grand Final
As the AFL Grand Final approaches, concerns about a potential measles outbreak in Queensland are rising. With nearly 30,000 Brisbane Lions fans expected to travel to Melbourne for the match against Geelong on Saturday, health experts are warning that this significant gathering could facilitate the spread of the highly contagious virus.
Currently, Queensland is facing a measles outbreak, with around 20 active cases reported, primarily clustered in the Cairns area. Smaller clusters exist in central Queensland and the Gold Coast, with a recent case confirmed in Brisbane. This situation poses a serious public health risk, particularly with large gatherings scheduled for the AFL Grand Final weekend.
Dr. Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, has emphatically stated that even brief contact with an infected person can lead to the transmission of measles. “Fleeting contact, or even being in the same room as someone two hours after they were there infectious with measles is enough to get infected,” Griffin noted. While he deems it unlikely that an infectious person will attend the match, he warns that for every reported case, there may be 16 to 20 undiscovered cases in the community.
Vaccination Rates Decline Amidst Public Concerns
Measles, once eradicated from Australia in 2014, has made a concerning return partly due to declining vaccination rates, which now stand at 90.35% in Queensland—falling below the 95% target necessary for community immunity. This decline can be attributed to misinformation regarding vaccinations that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a growing complacency regarding the severity of measles.
Dr. Griffin described the resurgence of measles as a “terrible tragedy,” highlighting that the current outbreak is the most significant since 2019. With more than 120 cases logged in 2025 alone, the urgency for increased vaccination efforts cannot be overstated.
Public Health Response and Recommendations
Health officials are urging all fans attending the Grand Final to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. The public health message stresses the importance of immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
In summary, while excitement builds for the AFL Grand Final, vigilance concerning health risks, specifically the potential spread of measles, must be a priority. The implications of this outbreak remind us of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect community health. Public health agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as the weekend approaches, urging fans to take necessary precautions.
Conclusion
The convergence of thousands of Brisbane Lions fans at the AFL Grand Final amid a measles outbreak presents a significant risk for public health. It is essential for attendees to stay informed about vaccination and health recommendations, as the community works together to mitigate the potential spread of this virus. Taking proactive steps by ensuring vaccination can help safeguard both individual and public health during this high-profile sporting event.
