YOUR HEALTHMeasles

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection (an illness caused by a virus) that spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, countertop and shared objects) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. It can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly transmissible in shared spaces.

Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, and brain damage. While rare, it can be fatal.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Check or update your immunization record to ensure you and your family are up to date with vaccinations.

What To Do If You Were Exposed to Measles

You are generally protected from measles if:

You have received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV)
If you were born before 1970, you are generally considered protected due to likely exposure to the virus during childhood.
If you have had measles in the past, you are also considered protected.

As a precautionary measure, it is still important to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

If you are not protected from measles—for example, if you were born in 1970 or later and have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection—follow these steps:

If you suspect that you have measles, self-isolate immediately by staying at home and avoiding contact with others.

If you are not vaccinated or protected, avoid contact with others, especially:

Infants under 12 months of age
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems

This precaution should be followed for 21 days after your last exposure to help prevent the spread of measles.

Anyone with measles should stay away from daycare, school, work and other public spaces for at least 4 days after the appearance of the rash. This is crucial in limiting exposure to the virus and protecting those around you.

If you think you have measles or have been exposed, call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic, hospital or any other healthcare setting. Inform them of your symptoms and possible measles exposure to prevent the spread of the virus.

When attending any healthcare setting, wear a medical-grade mask to help protect others.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. If your healthcare provider is unavailable, please contact the CK Public Health Infectious Disease team at 519-352-7270 ext. 5902.

Signs & Symptoms

Early symptoms may include:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Small, blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Diagnosis & Treatment

Measles is diagnosed through laboratory tests. To confirm the diagnosis, a healthcare provider will collect a sample, which may include:

Swabs from your nose or throat
A blood test
A urine test

There is no specific treatment for measles, but medications can help relieve symptoms and manage any complications. Most people with measles recover at home, but severe cases may require hospitalization.

A healthcare provider will likely:

Recommend medications to reduce fever
Advise you to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest

If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Measles vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus and prevent infection.

Prevention & Vaccine Eligibility

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide nearly 100% protection against infection.

The Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule recommends two doses of a measles-containing vaccine:

First dose: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12 months of age. About 85-95% of children develop long-lasting protection from this dose.
Second dose: MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine at 4 to 6 years of age (preferably closer to age 4). After the second dose, nearly 100% of children develop immunity to measles.

Infants under 12 months: Routine vaccination is not recommended before 12 months. However, if traveling to an area where measles is circulating, an early dose of the MMR vaccine may be considered for infants 6-11 months old. This dose does not replace the routine two-dose series.
Pregnant individuals: The measles vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, check your vaccination records and speak with a health care provider.
People with weakened immune systems: Consult a health care provider, as you may not be eligible for measles-containing vaccines.
Health care workers, childcare and school staff, post-secondary students, military personnel, and those traveling outside of Canada: Ensure you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or have proof of immunity.

Reporting to CK Public Health

Suspected or confirmed cases of measles must be reported to CK Public Health immediately. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting.
To report a case, call 519-352-7270 ext. 5902 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).
After hours, on weekends, or holidays, call 519-352-1234.

YOUR HEALTHMeasles

Measles

What To Do If You Were Exposed to Measles

Signs & Symptoms

Diagnosis & Treatment

Prevention & Vaccine Eligibility

Reporting to CK Public Health

Infectious Diseases

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