Measles
What is measles and how is it spread?
Measles is an infection that can cause a rash, fever and cough. It is caused by an infection with measles virus.
Measles is an illness that can cause symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red blotchy rash usually appears three to seven days after symptoms begin. It often starts on the face and spreads down the body.
Measles spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading droplets that contain the virus into the air.
The virus can live on surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, shopping carts, utensils, etc.) and can also live up to 2 hours in the air after the person with the infection has left the room. If people breathe in the contaminated air or touch infected surfaces, they can become infected. It can also be spread by direct contact with the secretions from the infected person’s mouth or nose.
People infected with measles can spread it to others from 4 days before to 4 days after the start of the rash.
Measles can cause long-term problems with the lungs, ears or brain. These problems can be dangerous. People can die from measles and the problems it causes.
Previously in Canada, measles was relatively rare because most people were vaccinated. When cases did happen, they were usually due to international travel. However, because of an increase in measles cases worldwide and in Southwestern Ontario, anyone who has not had measles or has not been fully vaccinated against measles is at risk of getting sick.
However, some people are more likely to get very sick from measles. This includes people with weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant and infants and children under 5 years of age. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re not sure whether you are protected against measles. Your health care provider will determine if you are at risk and advise you on next steps.
Symptoms of measles may begin up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally last for one to two weeks.
Symptoms include:
- High Fever
- Cough
- Runny Nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Red, blotchy rash, first on the face and then moves down the body. The rash usually appears 3 to 7 days after the start of symptoms.
- Tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always there. These spots are called ‘Koplik’s spots’.
Measles can also lead to:
- dehydration
- ear infections
- lung infections
- swelling of the brain
- hearing loss
- seizures
- permanent brain damage
- death
Measles in pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight and miscarriage.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Treatments are given to help relieve the symptoms of measles (e.g., pain relievers to reduce fever). Severe measles infections are often treated in hospitals.
Most people can recover at home by drinking plenty of fluids, eating healthy foods, and getting lots of rest. Health care providers may give Vitamin A to some children with measles.
If you or someone you know has measles symptoms, it is important to:
- Stay home. Do not go to work, school, childcare, or any other public spaces.
- Call your healthcare provider right away. Let them know of the potential exposure and symptoms. They will tell you what to do next.
- If you do not have a health care provider, call ahead before visiting a walk-in clinic.
- Wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when seeking medical assessment.
Having two doses of a measles-containing vaccine after 12 months of age is about 99% effective at preventing measles.
This vaccine is safe and free for people who live, work, and attend school in Ontario. You can get the vaccine from your health care provider.
Ontario’s immunization schedule recommends:
- The first dose of MMR be given between 12 to 15 months of age.
- The second dose (MMRV) is generally given between 4 to 6 years of age.
- In the case of a confirmed outbreak, a second dose of measles containing vaccine may be given as soon as 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose.
Please contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) at 519-258-2146 ext. 1121 for any questions about the immunization schedule.
Please report all vaccines for you and your family to the Health Unit’s online reporting tool, ICON, by visiting immune.wechu.org
Understand your risk and what to do next using our measles self-assessment tool. Visit https://www.wechu.org/measles-risk-tool
Please contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 for any questions about your exposure and vaccination status.
Tests for measles can be done at a laboratory and include a nose or throat swab, a urine test and sometimes blood work. The laboratory will process these tests to determine if an individual is infected with the measles virus. It can take a few days for the laboratory to confirm test results.
When a case of measles is confirmed, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will continue with the case investigation and management.