Understanding Measles: Symptoms, Vaccination, and Prevention

As measles continues to pose global health challenges, it's vital to understand its symptoms, how long immunity lasts, and the role of vaccination in prevention. Despite Australia eliminating endemic transmission in 2014, recent outbreaks highlight the importance of staying informed.

Current Situation in Australia:
In 2025, Australia has reported 70 cases of measles, with the majority in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. This surpasses the total cases from previous years, indicating ongoing risk, often linked to travel overseas. The virus can be transmitted genetically in the community, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

What is Measles?
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases affecting humans. An individual with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who are not immune. The virus remains airborne for up to two hours, meaning it can infect people even after the infected person has left the area. It predominantly affects children and immunocompromised individuals, with a substantial number requiring hospitalization. Globally, in 2023, over 100,000 deaths were attributed to measles.

Symptoms to Watch For:
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days post-exposure and include a distinctive rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, and conjunctivitis. The rash begins usually on the face or neck and spreads over three days to the limbs. In darker skin tones, rash visibility may vary. Complications can include ear infections, encephalitis, blindness, and pneumonia, which are more prevalent among children and pregnant women. Rarely, measles can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a fatal brain condition occurring years later.

Differences From Chickenpox:
Though both affect children and involve rashes, measles and chickenpox are caused by different viruses. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, results in vesicular rash starting on the chest or back, unlike measles which starts on the face. Chickenpox can also manifest later as shingles.

Can You Catch Measles Twice?
Typically, infection results in lifelong immunity. However, measles can temporarily weaken the immune system, making individuals susceptible to other infections. Those born before 1966 likely contracted measles naturally and are protected. Vaccination can offer additional defense.

Measles Vaccination:
The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine includes a live, weakened measles virus. In Australia, children receive doses at 12 and 18 months. Early vaccination can occur from six months in high-risk situations, with booster doses provided later. Adults born between 1966 and 1994, especially those who only received one dose, are encouraged to get an additional shot. The vaccine is unsafe for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women but highly effective for others, providing lifelong protection in about 99% of cases.

Vaccine Longevity:
After two doses, the measles vaccine offers lifelong immunity and helps prevent transmission to others, making vaccination crucial in controlling outbreaks.

Staying informed and ensuring vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of measles and its complications, safeguarding both individuals and communities.