Measles

Measles can be a severe illness – serious complications are much more common in young children (under 5 years of age), in the chronically ill and in adults. 60% of deaths from measles are caused by the development of pneumonia, especially in the young, and from encephalitis (brain swelling), particularly in adults. Measles during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour, and/or babies may have a low birth weight. In a small number of cases, measles may also be fatal.

The virus can survive in airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed for up to two hours – so people can contract the measles by breathing in that same contaminated air, or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

The virus can spread to others from four days before the rash appears, through to four days after it appears.

The measles rash breaks out about 2–4 days after symptoms start, starting on the face and moving down the body. The rash is made up of flat red spots, and is not itchy. Sometimes, small, raised spots may also appear on top of the flat spots. In most people the rash will last 4–7 days before fading. A case of measles without complications usually lasts around 14 days.

In some cases, complications may arise, including middle ear infection, diarrhoea, pneumonia (lung infection), encephalitis (brain swelling), and for a minority, the infection may be fatal. There is also an exceptionally rare risk of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), which may appear approximately seven years after the initial measles infection. SSPE causes progressive brain damage which is often fatal. These complications are generally more common in those with existing chronic (long-term) illness, young children (<5 years of age), and adults.

• Children at 12 months - the first dose of measles vaccine is given in combination with mumps and rubella (as MMR vaccine)
• Children at 18 months - the second dose of measles vaccine is given in combination with mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)

If you were born during or after 1966 and do not have evidence of having received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine, you may no longer have immunity against the disease and may need an additional dose. It is also recommended that any young adolescent or adult who does not have evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccines or other evidence of immunity should talk to their doctor about vaccination for measles.

For further information regarding vaccination against measles, speak with your healthcare professional.