Measles is an infectious illness caused by a virus from the genus Morbillivirus. Most people infected by the illness will have fever and skin rash.  Around 1 in 10 people with measles will experience other more serious complications. These include middle ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Measles is very easy to catch, and to spread to other people. A sneeze or cough can spread droplets with the virus into the air and onto surfaces. Anyone in the same room as a person who has measles can catch the infection, even up to 2 hours after the person has left.

Measles is rare in Australia because of widespread vaccination that started in the late 1960s. All states and territories had measles vaccination available by 1972.

Around the world, measles is still common and is a leading cause of illness and death in children. Over 90,000 children died of the measles in 2016.

The signs and symptoms of measles may include:

• fever
• general discomfort, illness or lack of wellbeing (malaise)
• runny nose
• dry cough
• sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• red and bluish spots inside the mouth (known to doctors as Koplik’s spots)
• red and blotchy skin rash that appears first on the face and hairline, and then spreads to the body.

The incubation period of measles, or the time from catching the virus to becoming sick, can be 10–14 days. People who have been infected with measles can spread the disease before the rash appears and before they know they are sick.

It is estimated that a person with measles will infect 90% of the people they come in contact with who have not been vaccinated, or previously infected with measles.

Measles is accompanied by other complications in about 1 in 10 cases. These include:

• middle ear infections (otitis media)
• diarrhoea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration
• respiratory infections, such as croup, laryngitis or bronchitis.

There are also more serious complications of measles.

• Pneumonia affects about 1 in 15 infected people and causes about 60 per cent of measles deaths, especially in young children
• Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, can cause brain damage or death, and is more often seen in adults. This affects about 1 person in every 1000 with measles. Of those with encephalitis, 10% to 15% will die and 15% to 40% of survivors will have permanent brain damage
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a rare (about 22 in 100,000 cases) but serious progressive inflammation of the brain which is always fatal. It usually begins about 7 years after a measles infection.
• Measles can also cause miscarriage or premature labour for pregnant women who are infected.

The risk of death from measles is higher for babies and adults who catch the disease, than for children.

The measles vaccine contains a weakened version of the measles virus to produce immunity, without serious disease. Two doses of measles vaccine provide immunity from measles for 99% of people who receive them.

The measles vaccine is one part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccines. It is not available as a single vaccine in Australia.

Measles vaccine is recommended for:

• children ≥ 12 months of age
• adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles vaccine, particularly
  • healthcare workers
  • childhood educators and carers
  • people who work in long-term care facilities
  • people who work in correctional facilities
  • travellers.

Under the National Immunisation Program and in state and territory government programs, the measles vaccine (as part of the MMR or MMRV combination vaccines) is funded so that it is free for almost everyone (although you may be charged a consultation fee).

If you were born before 1966, you have probably had measles or developed immunity to it through exposure. You can have this tested, if you don’t know whether you have had measles or not. It may be faster and easier to be vaccinated than to be tested.

Who can’t have a measles vaccine?

Some people are unable to be receive the measles vaccine (as part of the MMR or MMRV vaccines) because of another illness, or because of a current health situation. These people need to rely on people around them being immune to prevent the spread of measles and other diseases that could cause serious complications. This group might include:

• people with HIV or AIDS
• people taking certain medications, such as high dose corticosteroids
• people receiving treatment that affects their immune system, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• people with some kinds of cancer, such as Hodgkin lymphoma or leukaemia.

The measles vaccine is also unsuitable for pregnant women, and women should be careful not to become pregnant within 4–8 weeks of vaccination.

It can be difficult to find out if you have been vaccinated or have had measles, but asking yourself these questions might help.

Did you grow up in Australia?

Children in Australia are given 2 doses of a vaccine that protects them against measles, at 12 months and at 18 months of age. The first vaccine also protects them against mumps and rubella (the 'MMR vaccine'), and the second one also protects them against mumps, rubella and chickenpox (the ‘MMRV vaccine’).

How old are you?

The measles vaccine was first introduced in the 1960s, but it was not part of a 2-dose program in Australia until the 1990s. People born between 1966 and 1994 may not have received 2 doses and may not be immune. If you fall into this age group, you should talk to your doctor.

If you were born before 1966, you have probably had measles or developed immunity to it through exposure.

Are you a migrant to Australia?

People who have migrated to Australia may have missed out on the full dose of the measles vaccine. If you are a migrant, you can be vaccinated as a teenager or an adult. 

If you're not sure whether you're immune to measles, you can check your immunisation history with your GP or get a blood test. You can also search the Australian Immunisation Register for any vaccinations you may have received since January 1, 1996 (when the register was set up).

If you think you may have had measles or a measles vaccination earlier in life but are still not sure, it is safe to get another vaccination. Talk to your GP.

Measles is still present in many countries around the world. Australian travellers are strongly recommended to make sure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine before they travel.

Most cases of measles in Australia result from non-immune travellers catching the disease overseas and bringing it home with them. The virus then spreads among unvaccinated people in Australia.

While these outbreaks are usually limited, some communities are more vulnerable to imported measles because of lower than average vaccination rates.

Your doctor can advise you about vaccinations for you and your family.

You can find out about the specific vaccines available in Australia using the NPS MedicineWise Medicine Finder

• M-M-R II
• Priorix
• Priorix-Tetra
• ProQuad

You can find reliable evidence-based information about measles vaccine at:

• healthdirect
• Better Health Channel
• Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (measles factsheet, PDF)

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but these are usually mild and temporary.

You or your child may develop a fever 7–10 days after the vaccination that can last for 2-3 days. This can be managed with paracetamol and fluids.

Read more about managing fever

Women who have been vaccinated should avoid pregnancy for 4–8 weeks after their vaccination. Check with your GP if this affects you. 

There are some rare serious adverse effects of the vaccines, but they are considerably rarer than the serious complications of measles.

What conditions are NOT associated with measles vaccination?

Measles vaccination is not associated with

• autism
• autistic spectrum disorder
• inflammatory bowel disease

There is now substantial evidence that there is no link between these conditions and vaccination. The discredited false evidence for a link has been withdrawn by the journal that published it.

The best way to avoid measles is to have two doses of the measles vaccine as part of the MMR or MMRV vaccinations.

If you are not immune to measles and you are exposed to the disease, you should receive a measles vaccination within 72 hours.

In certain circumstances, depending on your immune status and when you were exposed to measles, you may be offered an injection of human normal immunoglobulin to help you resist the infection. Your doctor will be able to explain why this is advisable for you.

Measles spreads easily, so people who catch it should stay away from work, school, childcare and public places until at least 4 days after the rash appears. They should also be very careful to avoid contact with anyone who is more at risk from measles, such as pregnant women, young children or people who have weakened immune systems.