Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily and can cause serious illness. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated is at risk. Babies, young children, pregnant people and those with reduced immunity are especially vulnerable.
Measles is still common in many countries across the world. Australia has stopped local transmission, but outbreaks can still occur when travellers return from overseas with the virus.
Vaccination is the best protection for you and your community.
Signs and symptoms
Measles usually begins with a flu-like illness. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis)
- tiredness
- white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots).
A few days later, a red blotchy rash (not usually itchy) appears. It usually starts on the face and then spreads down the body. The rash lasts for 4 to 7 days.
Measles can be severe. It may lead to hospital care and, in rare cases, death. Complications may include:
- lung infection (pneumonia)
- ear infection (otitis media)
- brain inflammation (encephalitis).
Treatment
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for measles.
Most people feel better with adequate rest and fluids, although some people may need hospital care if they become very unwell.
Ongoing management
If you have or are suspected of having measles:
- phone ahead before visiting your doctor, health professional, or local clinic, so they know you are coming
- stay home, isolate from other household members (as best as possible), and rest
- avoid contact with other people, especially babies, pregnant people, and anyone with poor immunity
- follow the advice of your doctor or public health unit
- in some cases, your doctor or public health unit may recommend treatment after exposure. This could include an MMR vaccine within 3 days, or an injection of immunoglobulin (NHIG) within 6 days.
- if your baby is aged 6–11 months and has been exposed to measles, talk to your doctor or public health unit. An early MMR dose may be recommended, but your child will still need the routine doses at 12 and 18 months.
Your doctor or public health unit will advise what is best for you.
Transmission
- Measles virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- The virus can remain in the air of a room for some time after the infected person leaves (up to 30 minutes).
- Symptoms usually appear 7 to 18 days after being exposed to the virus.
- People with measles are contagious from up to 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it starts.
Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and is both safe and highly effective. Two doses of a measles‑containing vaccine are needed for strong, long‑lasting protection.
Vaccination against measles is recommended and funded for:
- all children at 12 months and 18 months of age as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule
- all people born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine
- infants aged 6 to 11 months who are travelling to measles endemic countries or where measles outbreaks are occurring, both in Australia and overseas. This is an additional early dose, and the child should still receive the routine measles vaccination given at 12 and 18 months of age.
People planning a pregnancy should talk to their healthcare provider about measles vaccination. If the vaccine is recommended, they should get vaccinated at least 28 days before becoming pregnant or immediately after the birth of the baby.
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are mild and short-lasting. These can include:
- discomfort where the injection was given
- fever
- a fine red rash which is not infectious
- drowsiness and tiredness.
If side effects occur, they usually appear 7 to 10 days after vaccination and last 2 or 3 days. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
Help and assistance
- Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) anytime for free health advice (cost of a local call).
- Contact your doctor, health professional or local clinic.
- In an emergency, call 000.