Measles rash looks red or brown on white skin and may be harder to see on brown and black skin. The rash can be slightly raised and appear blotchy.

The rash usually starts on the hairline and spreads over the entire body. Measles rash is not itchy.

What are the first symptoms of measles?

The rash is not usually the first symptom of measles. Early symptoms can include fever, tiredness, bad cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose and white spots in the mouth.

The rash appears on days 3 to 7 of the illness and usually lasts 4 to 7 days. On day 5, the rash begins to fade.

Time between exposure and becoming sick is usually 10 days, and the rash usually appears 14 days after exposure.

Do adults get a rash with measles?

Yes. Both adults and children get a rash. Measles rarely occurs without a rash appearing.

What should I do if I think I have measles?

Measles is rare in Australia but it can be very serious, leading to complications in up to one third of people, such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain infection).

If you suspect you, or someone in your family, may have measles, call your doctor before you visit their clinic. The doctor might suggest a home visit or ask you to come in during a slow period, to avoid spreading the infection to other people.

You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) if you're not sure what to do.

How do I treat measles rash?

There is no specific medicine or treatment for measles.

But there are things that you can do to try to ease measles symptoms at home:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids
• take paracetamol to relieve any symptoms of fever — be sure to read the instructions on the packet

Where is measles in Australia?

Measles was very common in Australia before a vaccination was added to the childhood immunisation schedule in the mid-1970s.

In 2014, Australia was declared measles free. Sometimes outbreaks still occur when travellers become infected while overseas and bring measles back to Australia.

State and territory health departments list locations visited by people infected by measles:

• Australian Capital Territory (the ACT provides information for health professionals)
• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Who is at risk of measles?

Anyone not fully immunised or who has not had a previous measles infection is at risk of measles.

People at risk of severe illness from measles include anyone with a weakened immune system, children younger than 5 years and pregnant females.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. The vaccine is usually given at 12 and 18 months of age.

This post was originally published on 10 April 2018 and has been updated to include the most recent details on this topic.