What is Happening with Measles in Australia

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What’s Happening with Measles in Australia: What You Need to Know

What is the Severity of the Outbreak in Australia?

“Australia’s measles rates are on course to be the worst in five years with 84 confirmed cases so far this year,” the Sydney Morning Herald announced yesterday.

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All cases can be traced to people who acquired the infection overseas, traveled to Australia, and spent time in public areas while unknowingly infectious.

Last year Australia reported only 103 cases. In 2017 we had 81 reported cases.

WHO Western Pacific Regional director, told SBS News that measles is spreading like wildfire.

The Doctor stated that the disease is highly contagious and can spread to even small groups who are not immune.

What Causes the Measles to Spread?

The ABC informs us that “measles rates around the world doubled last year, and advanced economies struggle to contain the disease.”

This outbreak is a result of unvaccinated travelers who have come to Australia without knowing they had the disease. They may spread the disease to others before realizing they have it.

Parents who are uncertain about vaccination or put it off have allowed measles in many countries to return after successful immunization campaigns had nearly eradicated it.

This vaccination hesitancy has also been exacerbated by social media campaigns run by ‘anti-vaxxers’, which spread misinformation. This has led to new penalties against anti-vaxxers being imposed by platforms such as Facebook.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that ‘vaccination hesitation’ was one of the top global health concerns in 2014. The Sydney Morning Herald says that it’s responsible for measles outbreaks in Japan, New Zealand, and the US.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US has experienced its worst outbreak of measles since 2014. There have been 465 reported cases this year.

“With this measles epidemic, we are facing a perfect storm: an extremely contagious illness, pockets of people who have not been vaccinated living close by, and a growing distrust in these communities for vaccines and public-health initiatives,” Columbia University Medical Center Dr. Melissa Stockwell said to Newsweek.

What is the Danger of Measles?

Measles can be spread by airborne droplets caused by coughing or sneezing. The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, and it can spread through contaminated surfaces.

The symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, watery, red eyes, a high fever, spots in the mouth, and even a rash.

According to the CDC, complications can lead to life-long conditions or even catastrophic ones.

One in ten measles-infected children will develop ear infections, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.
One in 20 children who have measles will develop pneumonia. This is the leading cause of death among young children.
One child in every 1,000 measles cases will develop encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can cause convulsions or leave the child with an intellectual disability.
One to two children per 1,000 who contract measles will die.
A pregnant woman may give birth prematurely or with a low birth weight.

Australians are at Risk

Australia has a high rate of immunization against measles, with 93.5 percent of 2-year-olds being fully vaccinated. However, 95 percent immunization is needed to prevent the spread and ensure the protection of those with compromised immune systems and infants who are under 12 months of age.

Health Minister told the Sydney Morning Herald that “vaccination saves lives”. “The vaccine for measles is very effective in protecting lives. For full protection, two doses of vaccine are recommended. I urge Australians to review their measles vaccination history. If you’re not sure, speak to your doctor.

Boy With Measles Measuring Temperature, Lying on Sofa

What Can You Do To Help Your Family Prevent Measles in Children?

NSW Health is advising the following:

Two doses of the measles-containing vaccine given four weeks apart are best for protection.
Under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), Australia offers two doses of vaccine containing measles to children. The first dose is scheduled at 12 months of age as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The second dose is scheduled at 18 months of age as the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. These vaccines protect against measles as well as mumps, rubella, and chicken pox.
Travel plans for children aged between nine months and 18 months should be discussed with your GP. The schedule can be altered to accommodate children who will travel in areas where there is a high measles risk.
If you were born in 1966 or later and have never been infected with measles, then it is important that you visit your doctor to ensure that you received two doses of the measles vaccine. These should be at least four weeks apart. In NSW, the vaccine will be free if you do not have it.
It is not harmful to receive the vaccine twice. Uncertain people should get vaccinated.
Until they no longer transmit the disease. To reduce the risk of the disease spreading, people with measles should stay at home until they are no longer infectious.

You can also visit your doctor and discuss the risk of measles in your family to help increase this rate to 95 percent. By doing this, you’ll protect your family and the most vulnerable Australians.

What is the Measles Virus?

The measles virus is highly contagious. The characteristic red blotchy skin rash is what makes it so well-known. Measles is a serious disease that can cause hospitalization or even death.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine to the childhood vaccination schedule in the 1970s, the disease was widespread in Australia. Australia was declared free of measles in 2014. Some outbreaks can still occur when travelers who are infected overseas bring measles to Australia.

This page is aimed at adults and children over the age of five. Learn more on the Pregnancy Birth and Baby site.

measles during pregnancy
Measles in infants and young children

What are the Symptoms?

Measles symptoms usually appear 10 days after contact with an infected individual.

Measles usually starts with a red, blotchy rash. However, this isn’t the most common symptom.

The symptoms of measles are similar to those of the flu and last between 2 and four days.

fever
tiredness
Cough severe
conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Runny nose
White spots on the lips (also known as Koplik spots).

The rash usually appears between days 3 and 7 after the illness. The rash is usually red, blotchy, and not itchy. The rash usually starts on the head and then spreads to the rest. It lasts between 4 and 7 days.

How Does Measles Spread?

Contact with an infected individual is the main way that measles spreads. This could be:

Person-to-person communication
Coughing and sneezing

The virus can remain in the air and spread to others for as long as 2 hours. The virus may be present in the air, or on surfaces.

Measles can be spread very easily. Contagiousness usually begins the day after you start feeling unwell and lasts for 4 days.

Nine out of ten people who do not have immunity to measles can contract it from an infected individual. Immunity to measles is based on:

Measles vaccination
Measles is a contagious disease.

Who is at Risk of Measles?

Any age group can be affected by measles, if they do not have immunity.

People with weakened immunity systems are more susceptible to:

Catch measles by being exposed
Have a serious illness with complications

Measles During Pregnancy

See your doctor if you plan to get pregnant. He will perform a health check. You will also need to be tested for infections such as measles.

Catching the measles while pregnant can increase your risk of miscarriage and preterm labor.

Vaccination against measles should not be administered during pregnancy.

When Should I Consult My Doctor?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you suspect you have measles. Speak to your doctor immediately if you think that you may have measles.

You should not visit the clinic because you do not want to spread the virus to others in the waiting area. Call your doctor, and they’ll let you know how to safely see them. You can ask your doctor if a telehealth or home visit is possible.

Some people may need to be hospitalized if they have the measles.

You must stay at home if you suspect you have measles to prevent the spread of infection. You will be told by your doctor when you can return to school or the workplace.

The disease of measles must be reported. The doctor who diagnoses the measles must report it to the local authorities. They will take measures to control or prevent an outbreak. This is done by a process known as contact tracking. Contact tracers speak to you to identify those who have had recent close contact with you.

If the infection becomes complicated, other symptoms can develop. Speak to your doctor if you develop new symptoms or if the existing symptoms get worse.

How Can Measles Be Diagnosed?

You can help your doctor diagnose measles if you tell him about your symptoms, and he examines your rash. You may be asked:

If you have been in contact with someone who has measles
Your vaccination history

Your doctor may order a blood test if they suspect you have measles. These tests can confirm a diagnosis.

Newborn Baby Suffering From Measles Rash

What is the Treatment For Measles?

Measles is not treated by any specific medication or treatment.

You can try to relieve your symptoms by doing the following:

Rest well
Drink lots of fluids
Take paracetamol if you experience any fever symptoms — but be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Antibiotics won’t help you recover from measles, because it is a virus that causes the illness and not bacteria.

You may need hospital treatment if your symptoms are severe, or if you have complications.

What Happens if Someone I Have Been in Contact With has Measles and I am exposed to it?

You will be offered measles treatment if you are not immune and have been in close contact with someone who is infected. It is called post-exposure prevention and it reduces the risk of you getting sick.

Vaccination is usually used for post-exposure prophylaxis of measles. You may receive a medication containing antibodies to measles if you are unable to be vaccinated. These medicines must be taken within 72 hours after exposure to measles to have any effect.