Health
Measles
Families may have heard recently about confirmed measles cases in returned overseas travellers to Perth.
- Measles is a highly infectious disease and one of the most easily spread infections.
- If you were born after 1965, and haven't already had two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, you can get up to two free vaccinations (consultation fees may apply).
- Measles is common in many countries overseas and a potentially deadly illness in many holiday destinations where there are currently several significant measles outbreaks. Get vaccinated before you travel.
- Measles can have serious complications, especially during pregnancy. Get vaccinated before you get pregnant.
- Find out how to check your immunisation records.
Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in transmission of infection. Measles is spread through air-borne droplets. It can also be spread through direct contact with the mucous membranes of an infected person, and by touching articles freshly soiled with the mucous and saliva of an infected person.
In the past, measles infection was very common in childhood. Now, due to immunisation, measles infection is rare in Australia, however it remains a common disease outside Australia and outbreaks can occur when overseas travellers bring the virus back to Australia.
Measles is a different disease to German measles (rubella).
Reference: Public Health
Judy Buckley
College Nurse