What is measles
Measles is a very contagious viral infection that can cause serious disease. Over 90 per cent of people who are not immune will become infected if they are exposed to the virus.
Measles can result in complications including ear infections, pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage. Rarely, death can occur.
Children less than five years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from measles.
Symptoms of measles
The first symptoms of measles are:
- fever, runny nose, and cough
- eyes that are red, runny, and sensitive to light
Four days later, a red, blotchy rash appears. The rash begins on the face, spreads over the body and then down the arms and legs.
Symptoms usually appear around 10 days after a person has been exposed to the virus but can start anywhere from seven to 21 days. The rash usually develops 14 days after exposure.
Prevention
The best protection against measles is vaccination with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, which are almost 100 per cent effective at preventing infection.
Book a measles vaccine appointment
- Two doses of measles vaccine are given to children after their first birthday. Measles vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines.
- The first dose is MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, given at 12 months of age.
- The second dose is MMVR (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine, given between four to six years of age, preferably before school entry.
- Some adults may have received only one dose of measles vaccine. A second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for anyone born in 1970 or later.
- Workers in healthcare, childcare, school, or post-secondary and military settings are strongly encouraged to have two doses of measles-containing vaccine or evidence of immunity.
Measles vaccine should not be given to pregnant women. Individuals with weakened immune systems are recommended to consult their health care provider as they may not be able to receive measles-containing vaccines.
FAQ
What if you are exposed to measles? |
|
If you were born before 1970 or have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, you are considered protected against measles infection. If you have been exposed and are not protected, receiving a measles vaccine can prevent measles from developing if the vaccine is given within 72 hours (three days) of exposure. Contact your healthcare provider and call KFL&A Public Health as soon as possible. Pregnant women who are not protected, individuals who have a weakened immune system, and infants under six months of age can be treated with another medication up to six days after exposure. Contact your health care provider and call KFL&A Public Health as soon as possible. |
What if you develop symptoms? |
There is no treatment for measles. Supportive measures can help to relieve symptoms. |
How is measles spread? |
|
Measles is a virus that spreads easily through the air. It is passed in tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can survive in the air for up to two hours. A person with measles can spread the infection to others four days before to four days after the rash starts. |
Important immunization information for travellers
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated against measles is at risk of being infected when travelling outside of Canada. To be fully vaccinated:
- Adults 18 years of age and older who have previously received one dose of MMR should receive a second dose if they are health care workers, post-secondary students, planning to travel to areas with increased measles transmission or based on health care provider's clinical judgement.
- Children four years of age and older should have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
- Children are not routinely provided a second measles-containing vaccine until after their fourth birthday. However, if travelling to a high-risk area, those who have received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and are 13 months to four years of age, could receive a second dose of measles-containing vaccine earlier than when it is is routinely provided. A health care provider can advise on the best approach for your child.
- Infants are not routinely immunized for measles until after their first birthday. However, if travelling to a high-risk area, infants six to 12 months of age should receive a dose of measles-containing vaccine. Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine are still required, one on or after the first birthday and the second between four to six years of age. A health care provider can advise on the best approach for your child.
If needed, measles vaccination should be given at least two weeks before travelling. However, there are still benefits if given less than two weeks before departure.
Important information for children in elementary and secondary school with vaccine exemptions
If there is a case of measles at school, children with valid exemptions under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) will be excluded from school if they do not have two valid doses of measles-containing vaccine (e.g., MMR or MMRV) past 12 months of age.
Children may return to school when they meet one of the following criteria:
- 21 days have passed since their last exposure to measles and there are no further cases in the school
- a measles outbreak is declared over
- there is proof of lab confirmed immunity
- they have received their second dose of measles-containing vaccine
If you have questions and would like to speak to a member of our immunization team, call 613-549-1232, ext. 1451.