MEASLES
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What is measles?
Measles is an acute viral illness which is highly contagious.
The virus occurs throughout the world and according to the World
Health Organisation causes many deaths annually in developing
countries. Due to a very effective vaccination program in
Australia the incidence is very low in this country and
often associated with overseas travel.
How is measles spread?
The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of infected
people and is spreads very easily from person to person by coughs
and sneezes. It also spreads by touching contaminated objects such
as door handles as the virus can live outside the body for around
two hours. The incubation period is 10 to 12 days.
A person infected with measles is contagious from about
two days before the rash appears until three or four days
after the rash appears. Anyone suspected of having measles
should not mix with others.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Once inside the body the virus begins to multiply in the back of the throat
and lungs then spreads throughout the body. The symptoms of measles usually
begin to develop about 7 to 11 days after infection. The early symptoms are
similar to those of a bad cold.
- Feeling unwell with high fever, runny nose, red and swollen eyes.
- Small white spots develop inside mouth (Kopliks spots)a day or so later
- Sore throat and dry cough which can persist for several days
- Loss of appetite, fatigue and sometimes diarrhoea occur
- Red blotchy rash usually develops a few days later starting on the face and neck and spreading over the body. Small white spots usually develop inside the mouth.
What are the complication of measles?
Complications are more likely to occur in people with a weakened immune system
or people who are malnourished. Some of the possible complications of measles infection are:
- Otitis media – middle ear infection
- Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain which affects 1 in 1000 people which can lead to death or serious brain damage
- Pneumonia – a lung infection which can lead to death.
- Respiratory Infection –bronchitis, croup, laryngitis.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting – can lead to dehydration.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) – this is a progressive inflammation of the brain leading to permanent brain damage and death. This is very rare, occurring in one in 100,000 cases and develops several years after the infection and can be fatal.
- Miscarriage - measles infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or premature labour.
How is measles diagnosed?
It is difficult to diagnose measles by rash alone as many viurses cause a
similar rash. Your doctor can arrange a simple blood test.
How is measles treated?
As measles is a virus there is no specific treatment for an uncomplicated
case. Bed rest, plenty of fluid, paracetamol for fever and isolation to reduce
the risk of spread are recommended.
For complicated cases of measles it is important to get prompt medical attention.
Hospitalisation may be required or treatment with antibiotics if secondary infection
is present such as pneumonia or otitis media. Antibiotics do not kill measles virus.
How can measles be prevented?
The best way to prevent measles is to ensure you have been immunised.
The measles, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents all three viruses.
The vaccine is provided free for all children at age 12 months with a second
dose given at 4 years. The vaccine is also recommended for all people born
during or since 1966. It is important to check your vaccination records to
ensure you have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If you are not sure of your
vaccination history an extra dose will not harm you.
Where can I be vaccinated?
Your doctor or local Government Immunisation Program can provide immunisation.
Travel health clinics, some community health services or some student health
services also provide immunisation services.
Remember to keep a record of any
vaccines you are given.
The vaccine is not given during pregnancy
and women planning a pregnancy need to wait one month after the
vaccine before becoming pregnant. They should also have a blood
test after immunisation to ensure the vaccine has provided adequate
protection.
There are other groups for whom the vaccine is not recommended,
particularly people with an impaired immune system. Before being
vaccinated your immunisation provider will complete a check list.
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective; however as with any medication
unwanted side effects can occur. Reactions are generally very mild and
include feeling unwell, low grade fever and some pain or redness at
the injection site. Occasionally people who have been vaccinated may
develop symptoms of the viruses such as rash or mild swelling of the
salivary glands. The person is not infectious to others when this
occurs.
More serious reactions such as inflammation of the brain are very
rare and occur at less than one in a million doses.
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor
- Local government immunisation service
- Nurse On Call: 1300 60 60 24
- Maternal & Child Health Line: 13 22 29
- National Immunisation Infoline: 1800 671 811
- Better Health Channel: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
