Measles

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that is spread by tiny droplets in the air. No direct contact is required - just being in same room as someone with the measles can result in transmission of infection.

The measles virus can lead to serious complications and, prior to widespread vaccination in 1980, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths around the world each year.

Measles have become rare in Australia thanks to an effective measles vaccine on the National Immunisation Program, and the infection was announced as eliminated in 2014. However, the measles virus is still active in many countries around the world and unvaccinated travellers often bring measles back to Australia and cause small outbreaks.

Signs and symptoms

Many people who are exposed to the measles virus don't experience any symptoms until 10 days afterwards. Common symptoms include:

• runny nose
• cough
• red eyes
• fever
• rash

Complications of the measles often to lead to ear infections, diarrhoea and pneumonia, and 1 in every 1000 people develop potentially life-threatening encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Treatment 

There is no specific treatment for the common symptoms of measles and doctors generally recommend rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol if required.

It is very important to avoid spreading the infection to other people, so you must stay at home for at least four days after the rash appears.

Prevention

Vaccination against measles is the only way to prevent infection from the virus. In Australia, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is recommended for children at 12 months, with a second dose given at 18 months.

People born between 1966 and 1983 are encouraged to check their vaccination records, especially before travelling overseas, as it is likely they would have only recieved one dose of the measles vaccine and require a second dose for full protection.