Measles

Question 1

What are 9 symptoms of measles?

Answer 1

1. Fever (at least 38˚C)
2. Malaise
3. Cough (hacking cough) or sore throat
4. Coryza (stuffy/runny nose, common cold)
5. Conjunctivitis (or red/sore eyes), photophobia
6. Blotchy red rash typically appears around ears/head and spreads to trunk/limbs
7. Generalised descending maculo- papular rash (persists for 3 or more days)
8. Small red lumps that rapidly develop into vesicles (blisters)
9. Vesicles which burst and crust over in 3-5 days

Question 2

Does measles require a counselling room?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What are the red flags for referral with measles?

Answer 3

All patients require immediate referral.

Question 4

Why do all patients with measles require immediate referral?

Answer 4

Measles can cause death. About About 60% of measles deaths are from pneumonia, especially in young children. Complications, including death, from encephalitis are more often seen in adults

Question 5

Does measles have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for measles?

Answer 6

You may provide simple analgesia to manage the fever, but you should urgently refer all patients with measles.

Question 7

What are 5 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for measles?

Answer 7

1. Rest
2. Stay hydrated
3. Stay at home to reduce the spread of the infection.
4. Exclusion period: exclude for 4 days after onset of rash
5. MMR or MMRV vaccine are recommended for the prevention of measles.

Question 8

How is measles transmitted?

Answer 8

Measles is a highly contagious, severe airborne virus, transmitted via droplet and respiratory secretions

Question 9

How long are measles droplets viable for?

Answer 9

Droplets in air may infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left, and the virus can survive up to 2 hours in air

Question 10

What is the incubation period of measles?

Answer 10

10-14 days (although potentially 7-18 days)

Question 11

How long does the prodromal period of measles last?

Answer 11

Usually 2 to 4 days

Question 12

What is the infectious period of measles?

Answer 12

From the beginning of prodromal period (typically 2 to 4 days before rash onset) and for up to 4 days after the rash appears

Question 13

What are the 2 main risk factors for measles?

Answer 13

1. People not vaccinated (i.e., infants <12 months that are too young to be immunised)
2. Non-immune travellers and their contacts

Question 14

Describe the incidence of measles in Australia.

Answer 14

Cases in Australia now are generally low with MMR vaccination: there were 81 reported cases in 2017