First Aid

Measles cases have been on the rise both internationally and across Australia. Check if all members of your family have received at least two doses of the measles vaccine, particularly if they are born between 1966 to 1992 or have migrated from overseas. Young babies, particularly if not vaccinated, are at risk of serious illness.

What is measles?

Measles is a viral illness that causes a fever and a rash. It is very contagious and spreads easily through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Measles can lead to serious complications and, in rare cases, even death.

Measles vaccination

The best way to protect your child from measles is with vaccination.

In Australia, children receive two doses of a measles vaccine as part of the standard immunisation schedule. Two doses of a measles vaccine will greatly reduce your child’s risk of catching the virus.

Signs and symptoms of measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as:

• Fever (temperature of 38°C or more)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore or red eyes
• Feeling more tired or lethargic than usual.

After two or three days, a distinctive rash will appear. It is often described as red and blotchy, starting on the head before spreading to the rest of the body.

It can take around 10 to 12 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the measles virus. Most children with measles are sick for less than a week and should start feeling better about two days after their rash appears. Their cough may last for two weeks.

Measles complications

Measles can lead to other illnesses or complications, including ‘secondary infections.’ Examples of complications from measles in children include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea or vomiting. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) is a rare but serious measles complication that requires urgent medical care. If untreated, some measles complications can lead to seizures or even death.

How does measles spread?

Measles is a very contagious virus. It spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing, direct contact with an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces. You can even get measles by being in the same room as someone who is infected for up to two hours after they have left the room. People can be infectious with measles at least four days before their rash appears, which means they can spread the virus before they even know they have it.

Measles was common in Australia before 1966, so people often had measles when they were young and are therefore considered immune. Anyone born between 1966 and 1992 may be protected against measles. Still, they likely only had one dose of a measles vaccine during their childhood. This means they may be at greater risk of getting measles.

Measles outbreaks

Measles is still a common infection in many parts of the world, especially in countries without widespread vaccination. An outbreak in Australia often starts when an unvaccinated person travels overseas, becomes infected, and returns home with the virus.

During an outbreak, people who have not had two doses of a measles vaccine are at risk of catching the virus.

Others at higher risk of catching measles during an outbreak include:

• babies under 12 months who are too young to be fully vaccinated
• people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
• children
• pregnant women
• people born between 1966 and 1992 who have not had the measles infection and have not had two doses of a measles vaccine.

If your child has not had two doses of a measles vaccine, speak to their doctor or Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Speak to a doctor if your child or other family members have possible measles symptoms or have been exposed to a known case of measles and have not had two doses of a measles vaccine.

RCH fact sheet Kids Health Info : Measles