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.

The measles virus has a short survival time in the air and on objects and surfaces (less than 2 hours) and it is inactivated quickly by sunlight and heat. It's generally considered safe to enter an area where a person with measles has been (e.g. a clinic waiting area) 30 minutes after they have left the area.

If you think you have been exposed to measles

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 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.

Measles is rare in Australia due to immunisation programs, but cases can still occur. In WA, recent cases were from people returning with the virus from overseas travel.

Anyone who hasn't been vaccinated that comes into contact with the measles virus is at risk of infection.

People travelling overseas

People who haven't been fully vaccinated and are travelling overseas are at increased risk of infection because measles is common in many countries outside of Australia. It is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illness in many holiday destinations where there are currently a number of outbreaks.

Recent cases in WA were traced back to people who travelled overseas and had only received one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

To be fully protected, you need to have two doses of the MMR vaccine before travelling overseas.

Pregnant women and their babies

If a pregnant woman is infected with measles, there is an increased risk of complications including miscarriage, early labour and stillbirth.

Pregnant women can't have the measles vaccine during pregnancy so to protect her baby and herself, it is important for women to get vaccinated against measles at least 4 weeks before trying to get pregnant.

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).

Pregnant women

Measles can have serious complications for pregnant women and their babies such as:

• miscarriage
• early labour
• stillbirth.

Pregnant women can't have the measles vaccine so to protect themselves and their baby, it is important for women to get vaccinated against measles at least 4 weeks before trying to get pregnant.

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 other people who may be at risk of measles can be identified and offered vaccination if they have not been already vaccinated.

If you (or your child) develops symptoms of measles

• Do not attend public places (such as work, school, early childhood education and care services or shopping centres) or use public transport.
• See a doctor, preferably your general practitioner, as soon as possible so a diagnosis can be confirmed.
• Call the surgery ahead to alert them of your symptoms and to allow them to make arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting other people.
• Call the local public health unit.

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.

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.

Yes, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine) is available. Some people can get the measles vaccine for free. Learn more about the MMR vaccine.

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