Laine's Story

Weeks later Laine was diagnosed with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) as a complication of Laine’s measles. Only two weeks later she became blind and lost the ability to walk or speak. Laine became bedridden before she tragically died at just twelve years old. Today, Cecily continues her work to encourage immunisation and awareness of measles and its complications.

Definition: Measles is a highly contagious virus. Complications include ear infection, pneumonia and encephalitis.

Symptoms: Fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, red botchy rash (not itchy), red eyes, white spots in the mouth.

Prevention: Measles can affect people of any age. Vaccination is recommended for those born after 1966 who have not been vaccinated. A two-dose vaccination course for measles protection is offered in childhood at 12 and 18 months under the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Measles vaccination is included in measles, mumps, rubella(MMR) vaccine or measles, mumps, rubella plus varicella (MMRV) vaccinations.

Access: Vaccination is available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, pharmacies, community health centres and immunisation clinics. Vaccination is free for those eligible through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease.