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. There has been a resurgence of measles in Australia in 2025. This increase is partly attributed to international travel and international travellers introducing the virus into the community.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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*
- ProQuad – PDF 29 KB*.
*Indicates National Immunisation Program vaccine.
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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:
To assist planning and response in general practice:
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- Measles vaccine (MMR) is available free to people who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, and who were born during or after 1966
- Recall patients who are not up-to-date with their measles vaccination
- Verify that all patients are born after 1965 have received two doses of measles vaccine
- If vaccination history is unclear, additional MMR doses are safe
- MMR vaccination is particularly important prior to overseas travel
- MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and pharmacists for people aged five years and older.
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- Measles A3 poster – Triage (Could your patient have measles?)
- Measles A3 poster – Healthcare settings (Have you recently travelled overseas?)
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Exposed to measles travelling overseas?
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Measles vaccine offered here
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Travelling overseas? (Measles vaccine)
- Measles information for contacts - assessment by healthcare professional and information – useful information for clinicians to provide to measles contacts, following assessment and/or provision of post exposure prophylaxis
- Measles information for contacts – information only
- Measles triage tool for emergency departments - clear and concise poster for display in ED to guide triage of patients presenting with symptoms consistent with measles
- Measles is About’ poster – with triage prompt (English, large)
- ‘Measles is About’ poster multi-language (features six languages)
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- Measles A3 poster – Measles cases are increasing
- Measles information fact sheet (English)
- Measles information fact sheet (Vietnamese)
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Measles cases are increasing
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Getting tested for measles is quick and easy
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Protect yourself and your family from measles
- Social tile 1080×1080 – Travelling overseas? Be aware of measles
- Measles fact sheet – English
- Measles fact sheets in other languages
- Australian Academy of Sciences - Measles: everything you need to know
- Measles Vaccine Decision Aid – Comparing the Risks
Contact
For more information or support email primarycareresponse@murrayphn.org.au
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