Course Access
What is it?
Measles is a highly infectious acute viral disease, that can cause serious medical complications. In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Australia to have eliminated endemic measles through an effective vaccination program, with most cases now linked to overseas travellers, the unvaccinated or those only partially vaccinated in childhood. However, measles remains common in many parts of the world and outbreaks continue to occur in a number of countries. A surge in measles cases in late 2024 in South East Asia has resulted in cases reaching Australia with NSW, QLD and Victoria reporting measles cases. Travel to countries with outbreaks could lead to exposure to measles and includes, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, as well as countries in the United Kingdom, Middle East, North America, Europe and Africa.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of measles usually last 2-4 days and includes cold and flu-like symptoms of fever, fatigue, cough, coryza and conjunctivitis, followed by a maculopapular rash that typically begins on the upper neck and face, before spreading and becoming generalised. Complications from measles occurs in about 10% of cases and can include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis.
How is it transmitted?
Measles is spread by respiratory secretions including airborne particles, and the virus can survive for up to 2 hours in the air. People with measles are considered infectious from 2-4 days before the onset of the rash, and up to 4 days after the rash appears. The incubation period for measles is between 7 – 18 days.
At risk groups
People are at risk of measles if they have never had measles infection and have not received two doses of a measles containing vaccine. Young infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of complications from measles.
Prevention
Immunisation is the best way to protect against measles infection, with the current recommendation for two doses of a measles containing vaccine at least 4 weeks apart, with 99% of people developing immunity after a second vaccine. During the COVID-19 pandemic measles vaccination rates fell throughout the world, with more than 40 million children reported to have missed a dose. Healthcare workers are recommended to have evidence of 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine or serological evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella.
Key messages:
- Vaccination is key to eliminating measles.
- Healthcare workers should provide evidence of vaccination or serological immunity.
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Measles in Australia. Australian Government; 2018.
- NSW Health. Measles fact sheet. 20 December 2024 2024;(Infectious diseases, fact sheets. )
- E Handley. Measles outbreaks in South-East Asia bringing cases to Australia. ABC news. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-08/measles-outbreaks-in-south-east-asia-bringing-cases-to-australia/104789088
- Victorian Department of Health. More measles cases in Victoria. 4 Jan 2025 2024;(Health alerts and advisories)
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; 2022.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. National health and Medical Research Council; 2019.
- Victorian Department of Health. Measles. Disease information and advice. 2023;