What are the signs of measles? How lengthy does the vaccine final? Specialists reply 6 key questions

Thus far in 2025 (as of Could 1), 70 circumstances of measles have been notified in Australia, with all states and territories besides Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory having recorded at the least 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 recognized in vacationers getting back from abroad, together with fashionable 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 in the neighborhood.

So with measles well being alerts and information experiences popping up usually, what do you’ll want to learn about measles? We have collated an inventory of generally Googled questions concerning the virus and the vaccine.

1. What’s measles?

Measles is without doubt one of the most contagious illnesses recognized to have an effect on people. The truth is, each particular person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who aren’t immune. The measles virus can survive within the air for two hours, so folks can inhale the virus even after an contaminated particular person has left the room.

Measles predominantly impacts youngsters and people with weaker immune techniques. As much as 4 in ten folks with measles might want to go to hospital, and as much as three in 1,000 folks 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 finally attain the arms and ft. On darker pores and skin, the rash could also be more durable to see.

Problems from measles are widespread, and embody ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the mind), blindness and respiratory issues or pneumonia. These issues are extra doubtless in youngsters.

Pregnant girls are additionally at better danger of great issues, and measles may also trigger preterm labor and stillbirth.

Even in individuals who get better 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 youngsters, and vaccines can forestall each illnesses. Chickenpox is attributable to the varicella zoster virus, which can also be transmitted via the air, and may trigger fever, rash and uncommon (but severe) issues.

The chickenpox rash is totally different to the rash seen in measles. It usually begins on the chest or again, showing first as separate purple 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 easy reply is not any. When you contract measles, you must have lifelong immunity afterwards.

In Australia, folks born earlier than 1966 would have most definitely been contaminated with measles, as a result of the vaccine wasn’t out there to them as youngsters. They’re subsequently shielded from future an infection.

Measles an infection, nevertheless, can scale back the immune system’s capacity to acknowledge infections it has beforehand encountered, leaving folks weak to most of the infections to which they beforehand had immunity. Vaccination can shield towards this.

5. What’s the measles vaccine, and at what age do you get it?

The measles vaccine incorporates a reside however weakened model of the measles virus. In Australia, measles vaccinations are given as a part of a mix vaccine that incorporates the measles virus alongside the mumps and rubella viruses (the MMR vaccine), and the chickenpox virus (MMRV).

Below the nationwide immunization program, youngsters 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 at the least two doses are all the time wanted for optimum immunity.

Measles vaccines will be given sooner than 12 months, from as early as six months, to guard infants who could also be at larger danger of publicity to the virus (corresponding 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 previous.

Australians born between 1966 and 1994 (these aged roughly 20–60) are thought-about to be at better danger of measles, because the second dose was solely beneficial from November 1992. Australia is seeing breakthrough measles infections on this age group.

A further measles vaccine will be given to those adults at any time. It is secure to get an additional dose even when you have been vaccinated earlier than. If you’re not sure for those who want one, discuss to your GP who could test your measles immunity (or immunization report, if relevant) earlier than vaccinating.

Nonetheless, because the measles vaccine is a reside vaccine, it isn’t secure to offer to folks with weakened immune techniques (on account of sure medical situations) or pregnant girls. It is subsequently necessary that wholesome, eligible folks obtain the measles vaccine to guard themselves and our weak inhabitants.

6. How lengthy does a measles vaccine final?

The measles vaccine is without doubt one of the simplest vaccines we’ve. After two doses, about 99% of individuals can be protected towards 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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