Measles is a highly infectious virus that evolved to be able to infect humans at least 1000 years ago. As well as it’s best-known symptoms, such as fever and a rash that develops into blister-like bumps, it can also affect other parts of the body, like the liver.
Measles was once eliminated in Australia. Given the current alarming measles outbreak in the US, and recent individual cases appearing in South Australia, this is sadly likely to change. While this is of concern to everyone, it has extra relevance for those with damaged or compromised livers, as may be the case with people living with viral hepatitis.
Research on measles often finds that in the vast majority of cases, when someone is infected with measles there is a significant, though usually temporary effect on their liver. This can often lead to jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia), a noticeable yellowing of the skin and eye-whites due to excess bilirubin in the body.
Bilirubin is a red/yellow chemical caused by the normal breakdown of red blood cells, and is usually excreted from the body through the action of a healthy liver. When the liver isn’t working properly, bilirubin levels can rise and the chemical spreads throughout the body, with visible and sometimes dramatic results.
The association between measles and liver damage is higher among young adults than in children, but can happen at any age. This disruption to liver function usually resolves itself as the measles infection progresses, lasting up to perhaps two weeks, and there is unlikely to be any long-term damage. However, some research shows a clear correlation between the severity of hepatic response and the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections.
Because of this liver dysfunction, having pre-existing hepatitis (like Hepatitis A, B, or C) could potentially complicate a measles infection, but the exact nature and extent of this interaction is not fully understood due to a lack of research. Basically, it’s probably better to be safe than sorry, and anyone living with hepatitis should protect themselves from measles.
Measles Vaccination
Measles vaccination with one dose was introduced in the late 1960s and measles cases dropped dramatically. In 1994, a second measles dose was added to the national childhood immunisation schedule to increase the level of measles protection in the community. All children born in Australia are now routinely vaccinated against measles at 12 and 18 months as part of the National Immunisation Program schedule.
People born between 1966 and 1994 are known to be at a greater risk of measles because they are less likely to have had a measles vaccine, or they have had only one dose instead of the currently recommended two. Because there was less measles disease in the community (due to the measles vaccine) these people are also less likely to have immunity from natural infection than people born before 1966.
If you’re in this age group and not sure if you have had two measles doses you should check with your GP. It’s safe to have another measles dose if you’re not sure, particularly if you’re planning to travel overseas. If you have not had any measles vaccinations then you should have two doses given at least four weeks apart.
Hepatitis Vaccination
Needless to say, if you don’t have hepatitis A or hepatitis B immunity, get vaccinated for those as well. If you’re unsure of your immunity status, speak to your GP about getting tested. For more information give the Hepatitis SA Helpline a call on 1800 hep abc (1800 437 222), or message or chat with us at hepsa.asn.au.
Last updated 15 May 2025
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