Measles who is at risk

Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection. People with measles are usually infectious from just before the symptoms begin until four days after the rash appears. The time from exposure to becoming sick is usually about 10 days. The rash usually appears around 14 days after exposure. The best protection against measles is immunisation with two doses of measles containing vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart.

In Australia two doses of measles containing vaccine are offered to children under the national Immunisation Program NIP. The first dose is scheduled at 12 months of age as measles-mumps-rubella MMR vaccine. The second dose is scheduled at 18 months of age as measles-mumps-rubella-varicella MMRV vaccine. These vaccines provide protection against mumps, German measles, and chicken pox as well as measles. People planning travel with children between 6 and 18 months of age should discuss their travel plans with their GP, as the schedule can be adjusted for children travelling to areas with a high risk of measles.

Anyone born during or after who has never had measles infection should see their doctor to make sure that they have had two doses of measles containing vaccine at least four weeks apart. If not the vaccine is free in NSW. People with measles should stay at home until they are no longer infectious i. Measles is suspected when a person feels unwell, has a cough, runny nose or sore eyes and a fever followed by a rash. Whenever measles is suspected, samples from the nose, throat, and urine should be collected to confirm the diagnosis.

Home Diseases and Conditions Measles. What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease. What are the symptoms of measles? Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after a person has been infected and include: High fever Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes Within 3 to 5 days, a rash often develops on the face and neck, and can spread to the rest of the body.

How can people prevent catching measles? The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. What are the possible health complications from measles? Ear infections occur in about 1 in 10 children who catch measles. Permanent hearing loss is possible. Diarrhea occurs in about 1 in 10 people who catch measles.

Pneumonia occurs in about 1 in 20 children who catch measles. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.

Encephalitis swelling of the brain occurs in about 1 in 1, children who catch measles. Encephalitis can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disabilities.

Death occurs in about 1 or 2 out of 1, children who catch measles. Pregnant women who catch measles are at risk of premature birth or have a low-birth-weight baby. People with compromised immune systems , such as from leukemia and HIV infection, may be especially at risk for measles complications.

Who is at risk of getting measles? People who are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated for measles. In , there were nearly 1, lab-confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Measles Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Measles Measles causes a red, blotchy rash that usually appears first on the face and behind the ears, then spreads downward to the chest and back and finally to the feet. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goodson JL, et al. Measles 50 years after use of measles vaccine.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed March 2, Gans H, et al. Measles: Epidemiology and transmission. Data Country profile for Luxembourg Country profile. Data Country profile for Malta Country profile. Data Country profile for Netherlands Country profile. Data Country profile for Norway Country profile. Data Country profile for Poland Country profile. Data Country profile for Portugal Country profile.

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