Thus far in 2025 (as of Might 1), 70 circumstances of measles have been notified in Australia, with all states and territories besides Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory having recorded not less than one case. Most infections have occurred in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
We have already surpassed the entire variety of circumstances recorded in all of 2023 (26 circumstances) and 2024 (57 circumstances).
Measles outbreaks are at the moment occurring in each area of the world. Most Australian circumstances are identified in vacationers getting back from abroad, together with in style vacation locations in Southeast Asia.
However though Australia eradicated native transmission of measles in 2014, not too long ago we have seen measles infections as soon as once more in Australians who have not been abroad. In different phrases, the virus has been transmitted locally.
So with measles well being alerts and information stories popping up usually, what do you’ll want to learn about measles? We have collated a listing of generally Googled questions concerning the virus and the vaccine.
1. What’s measles?
Measles is among the most contagious ailments identified to have an effect on people. In truth, each particular person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who will not be immune. The measles virus can survive within the air for two hours, so individuals can inhale the virus even after an contaminated particular person has left the room.
Measles predominantly impacts kids and people with weaker immune methods. As much as 4 in ten individuals with measles might want to go to hospital, and as much as three in 1,000 individuals who get measles will die.
In 2023, there have been greater than 100,000 deaths from measles around the globe.
2. What are the signs of measles?
The indicators and signs of measles often begin 7–14 days after publicity to the virus, and embody rash, fever, a runny nostril, cough and conjunctivitis. The rash often begins on the face or neck, and spreads over three days to ultimately attain the fingers and toes. On darker pores and skin, the rash could also be tougher to see.
Issues from measles are frequent, and embody ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the mind), blindness and respiration issues or pneumonia. These problems are extra doubtless in kids.
Pregnant ladies are additionally at larger threat of significant problems, and measles may also trigger preterm labor and stillbirth.
Even in individuals who get well from measles, a uncommon (and sometimes deadly) mind situation can happen a few years later, known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
3. What is the distinction between measles and chickenpox?
Measles and chickenpox are attributable to totally different viruses, though each generally have an effect on kids, and vaccines can forestall each ailments. Chickenpox is attributable to the varicella zoster virus, which can also be transmitted by the air, and might trigger fever, rash and uncommon (but severe) problems.
The chickenpox rash is totally different to the rash seen in measles. It usually begins on the chest or again, showing first as separate pink bumps that evolve into fluid-filled blisters, known as vesicles. Chickenpox may also seem later in life as shingles.
4. Are you able to get measles twice?
The straightforward reply is not any. In the event you contract measles, it is best to have lifelong immunity afterwards.
In Australia, individuals born earlier than 1966 would have almost certainly been contaminated with measles, as a result of the vaccine wasn’t out there to them as kids. They’re subsequently protected against future an infection.
Measles an infection, nevertheless, can scale back the immune system’s capacity to acknowledge infections it has beforehand encountered, leaving individuals susceptible to lots of the infections to which they beforehand had immunity. Vaccination can shield in opposition to this.
5. What’s the measles vaccine, and at what age do you get it?
The measles vaccine accommodates a reside however weakened model of the measles virus. In Australia, measles vaccinations are given as a part of a mixture vaccine that accommodates the measles virus alongside the mumps and rubella viruses (the MMR vaccine), and the chickenpox virus (MMRV).
Underneath the nationwide immunization program, kids in Australia obtain measles vaccines at 12 months (MMR) and 18 months of age (MMRV). In different nations, the age of vaccination could fluctuate—however not less than two doses are all the time wanted for optimum immunity.
Measles vaccines could be given sooner than 12 months, from as early as six months, to guard infants who could also be at larger threat of publicity to the virus (comparable to these touring abroad). Infants who obtain an early dose of the measles vaccine nonetheless obtain the standard two beneficial doses at 12 and 18 months outdated.
Australians born between 1966 and 1994 (these aged roughly 20–60) are thought of to be at larger threat of measles, because the second dose was solely beneficial from November 1992. Australia is seeing breakthrough measles infections on this age group.
An extra measles vaccine could be given to those adults at any time. It is secure to get an additional dose even you probably have been vaccinated earlier than. In case you are not sure should you want one, speak to your GP who could test your measles immunity (or immunization document, if relevant) earlier than vaccinating.
Nevertheless, because the measles vaccine is a reside vaccine, it is not secure to provide to individuals with weakened immune methods (as a result of sure medical situations) or pregnant ladies. It is subsequently necessary that wholesome, eligible individuals obtain the measles vaccine to guard themselves and our susceptible inhabitants.
6. How lengthy does a measles vaccine final?
The measles vaccine is among the handiest vaccines now we have. After two doses, about 99% of individuals will probably be protected in opposition to measles for all times.
And the measles vaccine not solely protects you from illness. It additionally stops you from transmitting the virus to others.
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What are the signs of measles? How lengthy does the vaccine final? Consultants reply 6 key questions (2025, Might 4)
retrieved 4 Might 2025
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