Answer:
Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the virus,
Morbillivirus. It is characterised by a fever, runny nose,
cough and sore eyes, followed by a rash.
Due to high vaccination rates, measles is rare in Australia.
However, it is important to continue vaccinating healthy
individuals who are not immune because the infection can be brought
in to the country by people who have travelled to, or have come
from, countries where measles is still common.
Answer:
Measles is highly contagious and is most commonly spread when
someone swallows, or breathes in, cough or sneeze droplets from an
infected person. Measles can also be spread if someone
touches a surface or object that has been infected with the virus,
and then touches their own mouth or nose, or eats with unwashed
hands.
People infected with measles can often spread the disease before
it is obvious they have measles and for up to 4 days after the rash
has appeared.
Please speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your
child's risk of measles.
Answer:
Measles is rare in Australia, but cases still occur.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated, particularly children and
health care workers, are at high risk of infection.
People with a chronic illness, children younger than 5 years and
adults are at an increased risk of measles complications.
Please speak to your doctor regarding your or your child's
individual circumstances.
Answer:
Symptoms generally occur 10 to 14 days after infection.
Symptoms of measles include a fever, generally feeling unwell
(malaise) followed by a cough, head cold symptoms (coryza), sore
and red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a red raised rash that typically
starts on the face and neck, and then spreads to the rest of the
body.
Some of the complications of measles include otitis media
(inflammation of the middle ear), pneumonia (infection of the
lungs), diarrhoea and less commonly, encephalitis (inflammation of
the brain).
Answer:
Measles vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood
immunisation. In Australia vaccination against measles is provided
in a combined vaccine that also protects against mumps and
rubella.
It is provided free to children as part of the National
Immunisation Program (NIP) and consists of 2 doses, usually given
at 12 months of age and 4 years of age.
It is important for children to complete the recommended course
of vaccinations to help protect them against the disease.
Please speak to your doctor regarding your individual
circumstances.
A range of side effects may be experienced following
vaccination. Discuss any concerns you have with your
healthcare professional and inform them if you, or a member of your
family experience any side effects as you may need treatment.