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
