Department of Health - Measles

What is measles?

Measles is a highly infectious disease that is usually spread through air-borne droplets of the virus. It can have serious complications. Measles is one of the most easily spread of all human infections. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in the transmission of infection. 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. Everyone born during or after 1966 should be vaccinated against measles. In the past, measles infection was very common in childhood. Now, due to immunisation, measles infection is rare in Australia.Measles is a different disease to German

measles.

How do you get measles?

Measles is usually spread when a person breathes in the measles virus that has been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infectious person. People with measles are usually infectious from just before the symptoms begin (2 to 4 days) until 4 days after the rash appears. If you think you have been exposed

If you have never had measles or have not been vaccinated against measles you are at risk of measles infection.

? If it is less than 3 days since you came into contact with a person with measles, immunisation can prevent you from becoming infected.

? If it is more than 3 days and less than 7 days since you came into contact with a person infected with measles, an injection called immunoglobulin can protect you. Immunoglobulin contains antibodies against the measles virus. It is especially recommended for young children (less than 1), pregnant women who have not been immunised and people with other medical conditions who have a greater risk of developing complications if they catch measles.

Signs and symptoms

The time from exposure to becoming sick is usually about 10 days. The rash usually appears around 14 days after exposure.

The first symptoms of measles are:

? fever

? tiredness

? runny nose

? cough

? sore red eyes.

These symptoms usually last for a few days before a red blotchy rash appears. The rash starts on the face for 1 to 2 days and spreads down to the body. The rash will last for 4 to 7 days.

Complications

Up to one-third of people infected with measles will experience a complication. This can include ear infections, diarrhoea and pneumonia, and may require hospitalisation. About 1 in every 1000 people with measles develops encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

How do I know I have measles?

Measles can be difficult to diagnose early in the illness because there are many other viruses that cause similar illnesses with fever and a rash. Sometimes the presence of white spots inside the mouth, called

Koplik spots, the timing of the fever and the rash, and the appearance of the rash can help a doctor to make the diagnosis.

Whenever measles is suspected, a blood test or a swab can be taken from the nose or throat and a urine sample can be collected to confirm the diagnosis in the laboratory. Confirming the diagnosis is important so that other people who may be at risk of measles can be identified and offered vaccination if they have not been already vaccinated. Caution: when making your doctor’s appointment, tell the staff that you may be infectious. You will need to wait in a separate area from others, especially young children.

Notifiable disease

Measles is a notifiable disease so doctors, hospitals and laboratories must inform the Department of Health of you or your child’s diagnosis. Notification is confidential. Department of Health staff will talk to you or your doctor to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people at risk of infection, and let you know about immunisation and whether you or your child needs to stay away from work, school or group gatherings.

Treatment of measles

There is no specific treatment for measles. You should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol for fever if required.

While you have the infection

While you are infectious with measles, up to 4 days after the rash appears, it is important that you stay at home to avoid spreading it to other people.

How can measles be prevented? Is there a vaccine against measles?

Yes, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine) is available.

Unimmunised children who have come into contact with measles and who do not receive MMR or immunoglobulin cannot attend school until 14 days after the rash appeared in the person with measles.

Where to get help

? See your doctor.

? Visit a GP after hours.

? Ring health direct Australia on 1800 022 222.

Remember

? Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease.

? Vaccination has now made measles quite rare in Australia.

Christ the King Church - Ladies Afternoon Tea

Topic: EX police officer Andrea Muslin will speak to us about safeguarding children from the dangers of the online world - bullying, online grooming, and including online security and privacy. Come and join us for a delicious afternoon tea.

Venue: Christ the King Church, Killara Drive, Willetton

Date: Saturday 26th October

Time: 2:00-3:30pm

Cost: $10

Contact Sandra 0431 756 783 or Leanne 0410 098 529 RSVP deadline 24th October, please let us know if you want to come.

A Word from Our Chaplain