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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 not less than one case. Most infections have occurred in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
We have already surpassed the entire variety of instances recorded in all of 2023 (26 instances) and 2024 (57 instances).
Measles outbreaks are presently occurring in each area of the world. Most Australian instances are identified in vacationers coming back from abroad, together with well-liked 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.
1. What’s measles?
Measles is without doubt one of the most contagious illnesses identified to have an effect on people. Actually, each individual with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who are usually not immune. The measles virus can survive within the air for 2 hours, so folks 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 folks 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 world wide.
2. What are the signs of measles?
The indicators and signs of measles often begin 7–14 days after publicity to the virus, and embody rash, fever, a runny nostril, cough and conjunctivitis. The rash often begins on the face or neck, and spreads over three days to finally attain the arms and toes. On darker pores and skin, the rash could also be more durable to see.
Problems from measles are frequent, and embody ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the mind), blindness and respiratory issues or pneumonia. These issues are extra seemingly in kids.
Pregnant ladies are additionally at larger danger of significant issues, and measles may also trigger preterm labor and stillbirth.
Even in individuals who get better from measles, a uncommon (and sometimes 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 illnesses. Chickenpox is brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which can be transmitted by way of the air, and may trigger fever, rash and uncommon (but critical) issues.
The chickenpox rash is totally different to the rash seen in measles. It usually begins on the chest or again, showing first as separate pink bumps that evolve into fluid-filled blisters, known as vesicles. Chickenpox may also seem later in life as shingles.
4. Are you able to get measles twice?
The straightforward reply isn’t any. In case you contract measles, it is best to have lifelong immunity afterwards.
In Australia, folks born earlier than 1966 would have almost certainly been contaminated with measles, as a result of the vaccine wasn’t out there to them as kids. They’re due to this fact shielded from future an infection.
Measles an infection, nevertheless, can cut back the immune system’s skill to acknowledge infections it has beforehand encountered, leaving folks susceptible to most of the infections to which they beforehand had immunity. Vaccination can defend towards this.
5. What’s the measles vaccine, and at what age do you get it?
The measles vaccine incorporates a stay however weakened model of the measles virus. In Australia, measles vaccinations are given as a part of a mix vaccine that incorporates the measles virus alongside the mumps and rubella viruses (the MMR vaccine), and the chickenpox virus (MMRV).
Below the nationwide immunization program, kids in Australia obtain measles vaccines at 12 months (MMR) and 18 months of age (MMRV). In different nations, the age of vaccination could fluctuate—however not less than 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 increased danger of publicity to the virus (equivalent to these touring abroad). Infants who obtain an early dose of the measles vaccine nonetheless obtain the same old two really useful doses at 12 and 18 months outdated.
Australians born between 1966 and 1994 (these aged roughly 20–60) are thought-about to be at larger danger of measles, because the second dose was solely really useful 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 secure to get an additional dose even you probably have been vaccinated earlier than. In case you are not sure in the event you want one, discuss to your GP who could examine your measles immunity (or immunization document, if relevant) earlier than vaccinating.
Nonetheless, because the measles vaccine is a stay vaccine, it isn’t secure to present to folks with weakened immune techniques (on account of sure medical situations) or pregnant ladies. It is due to this fact necessary that wholesome, eligible folks obtain the measles vaccine to guard themselves and our susceptible inhabitants.
6. How lengthy does a measles vaccine final?
The measles vaccine is without doubt one of the only vaccines we’ve got. After two doses, about 99% of individuals will probably be protected towards 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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What are the signs of measles? How lengthy does the vaccine final? Specialists reply 6 key questions (2025, Could 4)
retrieved 4 Could 2025
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