Measles signs and symptoms

MEASLES SYMPTOMS:

* Starts with common cold symptoms: runny nose, red eyes and a cough

* Fever and rash follows, three-to-seven days later

* Rash starts on face and spreads to other parts of the body

* Incubation period is 18 days so symptoms may not appear straight away

RISKS:

* Often requires hospitalisation

* Patients can develop pneumonia

MOST AT RISK:

* Unvaccinated people who have travelled overseas

* People not up to date with measles vaccines

* Babies under 12 months

* Adults between 26 to 42 with low immunisation coverage

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE MEASLES:

* Contact a GP or hospital before attending

* Wear mask at doctor's office or hospital

* Stay at home (do not go to work or school)

SOURCE: VICTORIAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERRVICES