An illness caused by infection
with the measles virus.
Symptoms include fever,
tiredness, cough, running nose, inflamed eyes and photophobia (dislike of
light). These symptoms usually worsen over three days. Between the third and
seventh day, a blotchy rash begins on the forehead, temple and behind the ears,
and in 24 to 48 hours, spreads over the entire body.
The rash lasts 4 to 7 days.
There may be small white spots on a red base present inside the mouth. Measles
usually lasts about 10 days. The cough may be the last symptom to
disappear.
Measles is often a severe
disease, frequently followed by middle ear infection (2.5% of cases) or
bacterial lung infection (4% of cases). In as many as 1 in every 1000 cases
brain infection occurs, often resulting in death or permanent brain
damage.
Complications from measles are more common and more severe in
chronically ill and very young children.
The diagnosis is suspected
following a clinical examination and can be confirmed by a blood
test.
Measles is spread by mucous membrane (lining of nose and mouth)
contact with airborne droplets from the nose and throat caused by coughing and
sneezing and by contact with hands, tissues and other articles soiled by nose
and throat discharges.
Incubation period
7-18 days; usually 10
days.
Infectious period
From just before the onset of
the first symptoms (about 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after the
rash appears.
Control of spread
Measles is best prevented by
the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine
are recommended: one at twelve months and a booster between 4 to 5
years.
It is also recommended that
adults born during or since 1966 should have evidence of having received 2 doses
of MMR. Adults born during or since 1966 who do not have evidence of having
received 2 doses of MMR vaccine are eligible to access free MMR vaccine via
their GP or local Council clinic.
- If an unimmunised child over
12 months has contact with measles, measles infection can be prevented by
immediate vaccination (within 72 hours) with MMR vaccine.
- If an infant less than 12
months has contact with measles, the chance of developing measles can be reduced
by giving immunoglobulin within 7 days of contact. MMR vaccine should then be
given as close as possible to 12 months of age but at least 3 months after
giving immunoglobulin.
- A person with measles should
be excluded from contact with unvaccinated persons for at least four days after
the onset of the rash.
- Unvaccinated children having
contact with a measles case should be excluded for 14 days from the first day of
appearance of rash in the last case. If unvaccinated children are vaccinated
within 72 hours of their contact with the virus, they may then return to child
care, preschool or school.
Treatment
- No specific antiviral
treatment. Complications may require antibiotic therapy.
- Treatment for the symptoms
includes plenty of fluids, a darkened room to rest the eyes and paracetamol,
following the directions on the pack, for the fever.
Measles is a notifiable
disease.
Adapted from "You’ve got
What?", with the permission of the Department of Human Services, South
Australia.