Measles

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

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.

• 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.

• Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The vaccine is safe and highly effective.
• Check your vaccine history to make sure you have two documented doses of measles vaccine (MMR). You can check this through the Medicare app, myGov, or by asking your doctor.
• If you do not have two doses recorded, it is free in Queensland and available from GPs, vaccine providers and most pharmacies.
• Make sure children get their doses on time, at 12 months and 18 months of age.
• An additional early dose of a measles-containing vaccine for infants aged 6 to 11 months is recommended and funded if you are travelling overseas or within Australia to areas where measles is endemic, or outbreaks are occurring. Ask your healthcare provider about an early dose for extra protection.