Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes and a characteristic rash.

It spreads very easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes.

Although many people recover without long-term problems, the infection can cause serious complications, particularly in babies, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.

What Causes Measles?

The measles virus causes the infection.

It spreads through respiratory droplets and tiny airborne particles released when an infected person:

• coughs
• sneezes
• talks
• breathes

Because the virus is highly infectious, even brief exposure may be enough to transmit it to someone who is not immune.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually begin before the rash appears.

Early signs may include:

• high fever
• tiredness
• cough
• runny nose
• red or watery eyes
• sore eyes
• sensitivity to light
• feeling generally unwell

Small white spots may also develop inside the mouth. Doctors call these Koplik spots.

After several days, the characteristic rash usually appears.

What Does the Rash Look Like?

The measles rash usually begins on the face or around the hairline and then spreads down the body.

It may appear as:

• red or reddish-brown spots
• flat patches
• spots that join together as they spread

The rash commonly moves from the face and neck to the chest, back, arms and legs.

It usually lasts for several days before gradually fading.

Not every fever and rash is caused by measles, so medical assessment may be needed.

How Does the Infection Spread?

The virus spreads very easily from person to person.

Transmission can occur through:

• coughing
• sneezing
• breathing contaminated air
• close contact with an infected person
• contact with respiratory secretions

A person can spread the virus before the rash becomes obvious. Therefore, they may infect others before they realise they are unwell.

How Contagious Is It?

Measles is one of the most contagious human infections.

The virus can remain in the air for a period after an infected person leaves an enclosed space.

People who are not vaccinated or otherwise immune have the greatest risk of becoming infected.

For more information about vaccination and prevention, see the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

How Long Does Measles Last?

Symptoms usually develop over several days and may continue for around one to two weeks.

The fever and respiratory symptoms often appear first, followed by the rash.

Coughing and tiredness may continue after the rash starts to fade.

However, recovery may take longer if complications develop.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A doctor may suspect the infection based on:

• symptoms
• the appearance of the rash
• vaccination history
• recent travel
• possible contact with a confirmed case

Laboratory testing is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests may include:

• a throat or nose swab
• urine testing
• blood testing

If you think you may have measles, call your doctor or healthcare service before attending in person. This allows staff to reduce the risk of exposing other patients.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral medicine routinely used to cure measles.

Instead, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

Helpful measures may include:

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking enough fluids
• using suitable medicine for fever or discomfort
• avoiding contact with other people
• monitoring for signs of complications

Antibiotics do not treat the virus itself. However, a doctor may prescribe them if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Managing Fever and Discomfort

Fever can make a person feel very uncomfortable.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be appropriate for some people to reduce fever and pain.

Always follow the recommended dose and check whether the medicine is suitable for the person taking it.

Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless a doctor specifically advises it.

Your pharmacist can help you choose appropriate fever or pain relief.

Measles and Vitamin A

Doctors may recommend vitamin A in some cases, particularly for children at increased risk of deficiency or serious complications.

However, high doses of vitamin A can be harmful.

Do not use high-dose vitamin A supplements unless a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional advises you to do so.

Possible Complications

Most people recover fully, but complications can occur.

These may include:

• ear infections
• diarrhoea
• dehydration
• pneumonia
• seizures
• inflammation of the brain
• severe breathing problems

Young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems may have a greater risk of complications.

Measles and Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the more serious complications.

Warning signs may include:

• difficulty breathing
• rapid breathing
• worsening cough
• persistent high fever
• chest discomfort
• severe weakness

Seek medical attention promptly if breathing symptoms develop.

Measles and the Brain

Rarely, the infection can cause inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.

Symptoms may include:

• severe headache
• confusion
• unusual drowsiness
• seizures
• weakness
• loss of consciousness

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Measles in Babies

Babies can be particularly vulnerable, especially before they are old enough to complete routine vaccination.

If a baby has been exposed or develops symptoms such as fever and rash, seek medical advice promptly.

Call ahead before taking a potentially infectious child into a medical waiting room.

Measles During Pregnancy

The infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications.

If you are pregnant and think you have been exposed, contact your doctor, maternity healthcare team or public health service promptly.

The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine and is generally not given during pregnancy. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to assess post-exposure management individually.

Measles Vaccination

Vaccination provides the best protection.

In Australia, measles-containing vaccines are given as combination vaccines.

The routine childhood schedule includes:

• MMR vaccine at 12 months
• MMRV vaccine at 18 months

Children aged 12 months and older generally need two doses of a measles-containing vaccine for strong protection.

What Is the MMR Vaccine?

MMR stands for:

• measles
• mumps
• rubella

The vaccine protects against all three infections.

The MMRV vaccine also includes protection against varicella, commonly known as chickenpox.

You can find more information about vaccination through the Australian Government Department of Health.

Do Adults Need Vaccination?

Some adults may need vaccination if they have not received two appropriate doses or do not have evidence of immunity.

This may be particularly relevant for:

• healthcare workers
• childcare workers
• travellers
• people working in higher-risk settings

If you are unsure about your vaccination history, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Overseas Travel

Outbreaks continue to occur in many parts of the world.

Travellers should make sure their vaccinations are up to date before leaving Australia.

In some circumstances, babies younger than the usual routine vaccination age may receive an early dose before overseas travel.

Speak with your doctor or travel health professional before departure.

What Should You Do After Exposure?

If you have been in contact with someone who has measles and you are not fully vaccinated or are unsure of your immunity, seek medical advice promptly.

Post-exposure treatment may help prevent infection or reduce its severity.

Depending on the person’s age, immune status and vaccination history, healthcare professionals may recommend:

• an MMR vaccine
• immunoglobulin
• monitoring for symptoms

Because timing matters, do not wait for symptoms to appear before asking for advice.

Staying Home With Measles

If the infection is suspected or confirmed, stay home and avoid contact with other people.

Do not attend:

• work
• school
• childcare
• shopping centres
• public transport
• medical waiting rooms without prior arrangements

Your doctor or public health authority will advise when it is safe to return to normal activities.

Measles or Rubella?

Measles and rubella can both cause fever and rash, but different viruses cause them.

Rubella is sometimes called German measles, although it is a separate illness.

For more information, see our Rubella guide if available on the MediAdvice website.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if:

• you think you or your child may have measles
• you have been exposed to a confirmed case
• you develop fever followed by a rash
• you recently travelled overseas and develop relevant symptoms
• you are unsure whether your vaccination is up to date

Always call ahead before attending a clinic if you suspect measles.

When Is It an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if someone develops:

• severe difficulty breathing
• blue or grey lips
• seizures
• severe confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• severe dehydration
• loss of consciousness
• rapidly worsening symptoms

Call 000 if symptoms are severe or life-threatening.

How to Help Prevent Measles

Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention.

You can also reduce transmission by:

• keeping vaccinations up to date
• staying home when infection is suspected
• avoiding contact with vulnerable people
• covering coughs and sneezes
• washing hands regularly
• following public health advice after exposure

Because the virus spreads through the air so easily, general hygiene measures do not replace vaccination.

Speak With Your Pharmacist

Your MediAdvice pharmacist can provide general information about vaccination and help you review your immunisation needs where appropriate.

They can also advise about:

• fever and pain relief
• vaccination services
• travel vaccination planning
• when medical assessment is required

However, suspected measles requires medical assessment and public health management.

If you think you have the infection, call your doctor or healthcare service before attending in person.

General advice only: This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. If measles is suspected, seek medical advice promptly and avoid exposing other people while waiting for assessment.