Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease that is spread via droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes. It is caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Measles cases continue to increase in Australia, largely due to overseas-acquired infections and subsequent local transmission. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant, particularly when assessing returned travellers and under-vaccinated individuals. Data in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System shows notifications have remained elevated through 2026, with imported cases continuing to drive outbreaks.
Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. It infects the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and rash all over the body. Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles, maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to prevent measles outbreaks in Australia.
Children: The National Immunisation Program (NIP) offers two doses of measles containing vaccines: the first at 12 months (measles-mumps-rubella or MMR and the second at 18 months (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella or MMRV). These vaccines are highly effective, with two doses offering almost 100 per cent protection. Infants aged six to 11 months travelling overseas may be eligible for an early dose of MMR vaccine following individual risk assessment. This dose does not replace the routine doses given at 12 and 18 months.
Adults: Individuals born on or since 1966 who have not received two documented doses of measles containing vaccine or do not have evidence of immunity should receive the MMR vaccine. This is particularly important for those planning international travel, healthcare workers and individuals in educational settings.
Symptom recognition: Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and sore red eyes, followed by a distinctive red blotchy rash. Recognising these symptoms is crucial for prompt medical attention and reducing transmission.
Exposure response: Individuals who suspect they have been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days and seek medical advice if symptoms develop. It is important to call ahead before attending healthcare facilities to prevent potential spread.
Travel precautions: Considering the global increase in measles cases, travelers should ensure that they are fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure. Unvaccinated individuals returning from areas with active measles transmission should be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
Measles vaccines only come as a combination vaccine that also protects against mumps and rubella (MMR) or mumps, rubella and varicella (MRV). It is given as a needle, usually in the upper arm.
Measles vaccines include:
M-M-R II – PDF 23 KB*
Priorix – PDF 178 KB*
Priorix-tetra – PDF 180 KB*.
*Indicates National Immunisation Program vaccine.
Victoria: Measles is an ‘urgent’ notifiable condition and must be notified by medical practitioners and pathology services immediately to the Victorian Department of Health by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7) on initial diagnosis (suspected or confirmed). Pathology services must follow up with written notifications within five days. This is a Victorian statutory requirement. Notification of an infectious disease or medical condition applies to medical practitioners and/or pathology services. Notification requirements vary depending on the severity of the infectious diseases. The link below contains information regarding the notification process for infectious diseases including mosquito-borne diseases.
New South Wales: Medical practitioners and hospital chief executives are required to report notifiable conditions to their local PHU on the basis of reasonable clinical suspicion. Case notification should be initiated within 24 hours of diagnosis. For more information on which conditions are required to be notified refer to:
Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).
We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.
We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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