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  3. Bring back memories not measles

Bring back memories not measles

Last updated
Thursday, 28/09/2023

 

Measles is rare in Australia. But the virus is still common globally. Many countries are reporting an increase in measles cases, including popular travel destinations such as Bali, Thailand and India.

Measles is very infectious. 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into contact with the virus will contract the illness. Measles can be severe, requiring hospitalisation.

Almost all cases of measles in Australia are brought here by overseas travellers. If you're heading overseas, make sure you're fully vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best prevention. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine give long-lasting protection. If you're unsure you've received 2 vaccine doses, talk to your doctor.

Very young children who haven't yet had 2 doses of the vaccine are most at risk. Ask your doctor whether they recommend early vaccination for your child if you're travelling somewhere where measles is a known risk.

Early symptoms of measles can look like the flu:

  • fever
  • red and sore eyes
  • severe cough
  • runny nose
  • white spots in the mouth

A prominent red blotchy rash develops soon after these symptoms begin.

If you've been overseas and develop these symptoms, call your local GP or emergency clinic to discuss your illness.

  • Don't go to a clinic in person unless it's a medical emergency. It may put other patients at risk.
  • If you need in-person medical care, call the clinic before you arrive and tell them you suspect measles.

Vaccine-preventable diseases

It's important to make sure you've been fully vaccinated in accordance with the national immunisation program. Also, get vaccinated against any vaccine-preventable diseases you may be at risk of due to your destination, activities, or other medical conditions.

Ensuring you're fully vaccinated can protect both you and those around you.

It's important to talk to your doctor early so they can provide advice on the best way to protect yourself from infection at your destination.

Read more

  • Learn more about preventing infectious diseases while you travel
  • Read about vaccinations and preventative health

See also

  • Measles (HealthDirect)

Emergency consular assistance

The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance.

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 from within Australia

For how we can help you overseas see the Consular Services Charter.

Enquiries and feedback

For non-urgent enquiries, or to provide feedback on consular services that you've recently received, contact us online.

For information on notarial services, email legalisations.australia@dfat.gov.au

To report a vulnerability you’ve identified on this website or to find out more about the department’s Vulnerability Disclosure Policy visit the DFAT website

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  • HomeHome
  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Destinations
      • Passport services
      • Visas
      • Insurance
      • Europe and the Schengen Area
      • Travel advice explained
    • Who you are
      • Academics
      • Colour, race, ethnicity, or religion
      • Dual nationals
      • Journalists
      • LGBTI++
      • Mature
      • School leavers
      • Travelling with children
      • Travelling with a disability
      • Travelling with pets
      • Women
    • Activities
      • Adoption
      • Adventure
      • Backpacking
      • Business
      • Living and working overseas
      • Marriage
      • Studying
      • Surrogacy
      • Volunteering
    • Major events
      • Cultural events
      • Religious events
      • Sporting events
    • Health
      • Mental health
      • Infectious diseases
      • Medical assistance overseas
      • Medical tourism
      • Medication
      • Pregnancy
      • Reciprocal health
      • Vaccinations
      • Death
    • Staying safe
      • Armed conflict
      • Assault
      • Cyber security
      • Demonstrations
      • Earthquakes and tsunamis
      • Kidnapping
      • Natural disasters
      • Partying safely
      • Piracy
      • Scams
      • Severe weather
      • Sexual assault
      • Terrorism
      • Theft and robbery
    • Laws
      • Carrying or using drugs
      • Child sex offences
      • Female genital mutilation
      • Forced marriage
    • Getting around
      • Air travel
      • Boat travel
      • Cruising
      • Public transport
      • Road safety
  • Destinations
    • View all destinations
    • AfricaBrowse destinations in Africa.
    • AmericasBrowse all destinations in the Americas.
    • AsiaBrowse all destinations in Asia.
    • EuropeBrowse all destinations in Europe.
    • Middle EastBrowse all destinations in the Middle East.
    • PacificBrowse all destinations in the Pacific.
  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
      • Medical assistance
      • Money problems
      • Someone is missing
      • Someone died
    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
      • Kidnapped
      • Robbed or mugged
      • Scammed
      • Sexually assaulted
    • Crisis or emergency
      • Demonstration
      • Armed conflict
      • Earthquake
      • Severe weather
      • Terrorist situation
      • Volcanic eruption
      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent helpLinks to help
  • Our servicesLinks to services
    • Consular State of Play
    • Consular Services Charter
      • ميثاق الخدمات القنصلية (Arabic)
      • 领事服务章程 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 領事服務章程 (Chinese Traditional)
      • Panduan Layanan Konsuler (Indonesian)
      • 領事サービス憲章 (Japanese)
      • กฎบัตรว่าด้วยบริการต่าง ๆ ของกงสุล (Thai)
      • Quy định về Dịch Vụ Lãnh Sự (Vietnamese)
    • Travel advice explained
    • Subscription
    • Crises
    • Passport services
    • Notarial services
      • Documents
      • Documents in Australia
      • Documents overseas
      • Certificate of No Impediment
      • Notarial forms
    • Voting overseas
    • Communities
      • العربية (Arabic)
      • Bahasa Indonesia
      • 中文 简体 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 中文繁體 (Chinese Traditional)
      • 日本語 (Japanese)
      • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
      • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
      • Filipino community
      • Indian community
    • Resources
      • CHOICE travel insurance guide
      • Consular Privacy Collection Statement