What are the symptoms of measles? How long does the vaccine last? Experts answer 6 key questions

Thus far in 2025 (as of Could 1), 70 instances of measles have been notified in Australia, with all states and territories besides Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory having recorded at the very least one case. Most infections have occurred in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

We have already surpassed the whole variety of instances recorded in all of 2023 (26 instances) and 2024 (57 instances).

Measles outbreaks are at present occurring in each area of the world. Most Australian instances are identified in vacationers getting back from abroad, together with common 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 studies popping up typically, what do you’ll want to find out about measles? We have collated an inventory 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 individual with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who will not be immune. The measles virus can survive within the air for 2 hours, so individuals can inhale the virus even after an contaminated individual has left the room.

Measles predominantly impacts kids and people with weaker immune techniques. 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 all over the world.

2. What are the signs of measles?

The indicators and signs of measles normally begin 7–14 days after publicity to the virus, and embody rash, fever, a runny nostril, cough and conjunctivitis. The rash normally begins on the face or neck, and spreads over three days to ultimately attain the arms and toes. On darker pores and skin, the rash could also be more durable to see.

Issues from measles are frequent, and embody ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the mind), blindness and respiratory issues or pneumonia. These problems are extra possible in kids.

Pregnant girls are additionally at better threat of great problems, and measles may trigger preterm labor and stillbirth.

Even in individuals who get well from measles, a uncommon (and infrequently 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 brought on by totally different viruses, though each generally have an effect on kids, and vaccines can forestall each ailments. Chickenpox is brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which can also be transmitted by means of 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 typically begins on the chest or again, showing first as separate purple bumps that evolve into fluid-filled blisters, known as vesicles. Chickenpox may seem later in life as shingles.

4. Are you able to get measles twice?

The easy reply isn’t any. When you contract measles, you must have lifelong immunity afterwards.

In Australia, individuals born earlier than 1966 would have most probably been contaminated with measles, as a result of the vaccine wasn’t obtainable to them as kids. They’re due to this fact protected against future an infection.

Measles an infection, nonetheless, can scale back the immune system’s capability to acknowledge infections it has beforehand encountered, leaving individuals susceptible to most of the infections to which they beforehand had immunity. Vaccination can defend in opposition to this.

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

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

Beneath the nationwide immunization program, kids in Australia obtain measles vaccines at 12 months (MMR) and 18 months of age (MMRV). In different international locations, the age of vaccination might fluctuate—however at the very least two doses are all the time wanted for optimum immunity.

Measles vaccines might 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 (equivalent to these touring abroad). Infants who obtain an early dose of the measles vaccine nonetheless obtain the standard two really helpful doses at 12 and 18 months outdated.

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

An extra measles vaccine might be given to those adults at any time. It is protected to get an additional dose even you probably have been vaccinated earlier than. If you’re not sure for those who want one, discuss to your GP who might test your measles immunity (or immunization file, if relevant) earlier than vaccinating.

Nonetheless, because the measles vaccine is a reside vaccine, it is not protected to present to individuals with weakened immune techniques (because of sure medical circumstances) or pregnant girls. It is due to this fact 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 best vaccines we have now. After two doses, about 99% of individuals can 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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