Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Measles

13-minute read

Key facts

  • Measles is a very contagious viral illness.
  • You are likely to be immune if you are vaccinated against measles, or have already had measles.
  • Measles causes fever, cough, red eyes and a red, blotchy rash.
  • Measles can lead to serious complications including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  • Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

What is measles?

Measles is a very contagious viral illness. It’s best known for its characteristic red blotchy rash. Measles can be very serious and can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

Measles was very common in Australia before measles vaccination was added to the childhood immunisation schedule in the mid-1970s. In 2014, Australia was declared measles free. Sometimes outbreaks still occur when travellers are infected while overseas and bring measles back to Australia.

This page focuses on advice for adults and children older than 5 years of age. Visit the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website to learn more about:

What are the symptoms of measles?

The symptoms of measles usually appear about 10 days after exposure to an infected person.

The most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, but this is not usually the first symptom.

Measles usually starts as a flu-like illness lasting for between 2 and 4 days with symptoms that include:

On days 3 to 7 of the illness, the rash appears. It’s usually red and blotchy, but not itchy. A measles rash generally starts on your head and then spreads down to the rest of the body. It usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Measles rash
Measles rash has red, slightly raised spots and may be blotchy but it’s not itchy.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes measles?

Measles is caused by a virus.

How is measles spread?

Measles is spread through contact with an infected person. This may be from:

  • person-to-person contact
  • coughing and sneezing

Measles virus particles can stay in a room and infect others for up to 2 hours. The virus can be in the air or on surfaces.

Measles is very contagious. You are usually contagious from around the day before you feel unwell until 4 days after your rash appears.

Up to 9 in every 10 people who are not immune to measles will get measles from an infected person. You will be immune against measles if you have:

  • been vaccinated against measles
  • previously been sick with measles

Who is at risk of getting measles?

Anyone of any age can catch measles if they are not immune.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to:

  • catch measles if exposed
  • have serious illness with complications

Measles and pregnancy

If you are planning a pregnancy, see your doctor for a pre-conception health check. This usually includes making sure that you are immune to infections like measles.

Catching measles during pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage or preterm labour.

Measles vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you may have measles, you should call your doctor straight away. You should also speak with your doctor if you have been in contact with someone with measles.

Do not go to the clinic since you don’t want to infect people in the waiting room. Rather, call your doctor and they will let you know the safest way to see them. Ask your doctor about the possibility of a home visit or telehealth appointment.

Measles can be a very serious illness, with some people needing to go to hospital.

Your doctor will also advise you on how to best protect other people in your household.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

If you think you have measles, it is important to stay home to stop the spread of infection. Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to school or work.

Measles is a notifiable disease. This means that the doctor who diagnoses measles needs to report the case to the local health authorities. They will take steps to prevent or control an outbreak. Since measles is very contagious, this usually involves a process called contact tracing. Contact tracers will speak with you to identify anyone who has had close contact with you recently.

Other symptoms may develop if the infection leads to complications. If you have measles and new symptoms appear or the current symptoms worsen, speak to your doctor.

How is measles diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose measles by asking you about your symptoms and looking at your rash. They may also ask:

  • if you’ve been in contact with someone infected with measles
  • about your vaccination history

If your doctor thinks you have measles, they may refer you for blood tests. The results of these tests can confirm the diagnosis.

How is measles treated?

There is no specific medicine or treatment available to treat measles.

There are things that you can do to try to ease your symptoms at home:

  • get plenty of rest
  • drink lots of fluids
  • take paracetamol to relieve any symptoms of fever — be sure to read the instructions on the packet

Antibiotics will not help you recover from measles because the illness is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

If your symptoms are severe or you experience complications, you many need to be treated in hospital.

What happens if I’ve been in contact with someone with measles?

If you have had close contact with an infected person and aren’t immune to measles you will be offered treatment. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis and reduces your chance of getting sick.

Post-exposure prophylaxis for measles usually involves vaccination. If you can’t be vaccinated, you may be given a medicine containing antibodies against measles. For these to work they need to be given within 72 hours of exposure.

How can I prevent measles?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

The measles vaccine is given as part of a combination vaccination for:

Both are very effective and have similar side effects. Your doctor can advise which vaccine is right for you.

In Australia, 2 measles vaccinations are 99% effective at preventing infection by the virus.

Vaccination against measles is strongly recommended for non-immune people:

  • who work in childcare
  • who work in aged care
  • who work in healthcare
  • who are travelling

The measles vaccination should not be given to:

  • pregnant women
  • people with a weakened immune system

You should avoid pregnancy for 28 days after vaccination. So, you should use contraception for at least a month after your second vaccination.

At what age is vaccination recommended?

The vaccine is usually given at 12 and 18 months of age.

Adults: Vaccination is recommended for those born in or since 1966 who have not already been vaccinated against measles.

How many doses? 2 doses
How is the vaccine administered? The vaccine is given by injection.
Is it free?

Measles vaccination is free on the National Immunisation Program for:

  • people under 20 years of age
  • refugees of any age entering Australia

Your doctor may charge a consultation fee for your visit. You can find your nearest bulk billing (no fee) GP clinic using the healthdirect Service Finder tool.

Common side effects

Vaccination against measles is very safe. Side effects are generally mild.

Side effects of measles vaccination are much less common after the second dose of vaccine.


Complications of measles infection

Measles complications are more common in people who are:

  • immunocompromised (where the immune system is not working as well as it should)
  • poorly nourished

Complications may include:

About 1 in 10 people who get measles suffer from complications. Complications can cause life-long effects or, sometimes, death.

Resources and support

For more information about immunisation in Australia, visit the Department of Health Immunisation website.

If you need to know more about measles or need advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse is available, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: July 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Measles in Australia

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Infected people spread measles through coughing and sneezing. The virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for a couple of hours.

Read more on AIHW – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website

Measles and pregnancy

Find out about measles and pregnancy, if measles could affect your unborn baby, and what to do if you've had contact with someone who has measles.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Measles in babies and children

Find out about the symptoms of measles, how to help prevent your child catching measles, and how to treat them at home if they get measles.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Measles vaccines for Australians | NCIRS

This fact sheet provides information for immunisation providers on measles disease and measles vaccination in Australia.

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Measles self-care - MyDr.com.au

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is most common in children and is spread by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing. Find out what products are available for measles.

Read more on myDr website

Measles | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

Measles is an acute, highly infectious illness caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It may also cause middle ear infection.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Measles | SA Health

Measles causes middle ear infection and pneumonia and in 1 in 1000 cases, brain infection, often leading to death or permanent brain damage

Read more on SA Health website

Measles and Mumps serology | Pathology Tests Explained

Measles (rubeola) and mumps are members of the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses. They both cause illnesses in children throughout the world that are prevent

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Measles vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Information about measles vaccines, who it is recommended for, how and where to get vaccinated. If you're eligible, you can get the measles vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

Read more on Department of Health and Aged Care website

Measles: what you need to know - MyDr.com.au

Measles is a very infectious and potentially serious illness that is caused by a type of virus called paramyxovirus. It is spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.