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Measles

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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory.

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. Measles should not be regarded as a simple mild disease. Deaths occur mainly in children under five years of age, primarily from pneumonia, and occasionally from encephalitis. Complications are more common and more severe in people with a chronic illness and very young children.

Public health management guidelines

Notification

Pathology laboratories

Attending medical practitioners/medical superintendents (or delegates)

To immediately notify the Public Health Unit of suspected, probable or confirmed cases of measles by telephone or fax.

Notification resources

Enhanced surveillance for public health units

  • Case report form (PDF, 327KB) - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.
  • Supplementary form (PDF, 254KB) - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for secondary measles case enhanced surveillance.

Clinical guidelines

  • Flowchart (PDF, 83kB) - quick reference chart for immediate management of measles.

Resources for health professionals

Immunisation

  • Immunisation – Queensland Health website for health professionals.

Training

Related information

Last updated: 5 June 2023

Condition information

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Communicable diseases contacts

Ph: +61 7 3328 9724 / 9728
Fax: +61 7 3328 9782
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