Measles Information
Measles is a very contagious illness caused by a virus. The most commonly occurring symptom is a red, blotchy rash. However, other symptoms also accompany the illness. People with measles can develop serious complications that may result in disability or death.
Fortunately, measles is rare in Australia due to high vaccination levels. A measles vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule since 1971. However, outbreaks can still occur, especially if infected people from overseas enter Australia.
It’s estimated that 90% of people with no immunity to measles will catch it if they’re exposed to the virus.
The MMR vaccination can help protect you from measles, mumps and rubella. Find out more about mumps here and rubella here.
How do you get measles?
Measles is very contagious. It’s spread through virus particles — usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infectious virus particles can also remain in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
When are you infectious?
Symptoms typically appear about 10 days after exposure to the virus with a rash appearing about 14 days after exposure. However, you are usually infectious before symptoms appear, and remain so until 4 days after the rash appears.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The main symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash which usually appears on days 3 to 7 of the illness. The rash usually starts behind the ears and spreads to the face and neck before moving to the rest of the body. The rash isn’t usually itchy, but it can look red with slightly raised spots.
Before the rash appears there may be other symptoms such as:
Fever
Runny nose
Dry cough
Sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Fatigue
Feeling generally unwell
Spots in the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
How is measles diagnosed?
If you think you have measles it’s important to visit your doctor as soon as possible because it can be a serious illness. Measles is a notifiable disease, which means your doctor must report measles to local health authorities so they can prevent or control any outbreaks.
Your doctor may use any of the following methods to diagnose measles:
Your medical history
Your immunisation status
Your travel history
A physical examination
Blood tests
How do you treat measles?
Usually measles can be managed at home and most people make a full recovery. There is no cure for measles. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and prevent complications. At-home treatments include:
Bed rest
Drinking lots of fluids
Taking paracetamol to reduce fever
Isolating to reduce the risk of infecting others.
If your symptoms are severe, or you develop complications hospital treatment may be needed.
What are the complications of measles?
Around 10% of people with measles will experience complications, some of which are very serious.
They include:
Ear infections
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, croup or laryngitis
Pneumonia (which can cause about 60% of deaths from measles)
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can lead to permanent brain damage or death
Premature labour or miscarriage in pregnant women.
Those who are most at risk of complications include:
Pregnant women
People with a chronic illness or weakened immune system
Children under five, including babies under 12 months who are too young to be fully immunised
Those born before 1966 who have never had measles or haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine.
When should you see your doctor?
You should see your doctor if you think you have measles to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis.
You should also see your doctor if you or your child has:
Trouble breathing
A high fever
A stiff neck
Extreme drowsiness
An earache
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Difficulty drinking fluids
You should seek urgent medical attention if you or your child:
Experiences changes to their personality
Becomes confused or suffers memory loss (amnesia)
Has seizures or paralysis
Due to the contagious nature of measles, you should advise the reception staff that you have the illness to avoid spreading it to others in the waiting room.
Can you prevent measles?
The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. In Australia, measles vaccination is included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is given at 12 months and 18 months of age. Measles vaccines are usually combined with other vaccines such as mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox).
If you have not had a full course of two vaccines for measles it’s recommended you receive a catch-up vaccination. Catch-up vaccination aims to provide optimal protection as quickly as possible. If you’re not sure if you’re fully protected, your Pharmacist can help by reviewing your Australian Immunisation Register status. If your vaccination status is incomplete, a vaccinating Pharmacist may be able to give you a catch-up vaccine.
Some people should not be vaccinated against measles so it’s important to speak to your doctor or vaccinating Pharmacist to make sure that vaccination is appropriate for you.
If you have measles, the best way to prevent infecting others is to:
Avoid close contact with others
Wash your hands often
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
One of our vaccination accredited Pharmacists can also assist in reviewing your vaccination history and advise you of your vaccination options.
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