Measles

Symptoms of measles begin 7 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and include:

• fever
• runny nose
• cough
• drowsiness
• irritability
• red eyes
• small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present
• a red blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads down the body (normally appears 3 to 7 days after other symptoms begin)

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the measles virus.

Infants and children

The provincial recommendation is for children to receive their first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age, and a booster dose (MMRV) between the ages of four and six - preferably before entering school.

Infants six to 11 months of age should get a dose if they are travelling to an area with increased measles activity.

Adults

Adults who were born after 1970 have likely received the measles vaccine.

A second dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for some adults such as healthcare workers, post-secondary students, and travellers to areas where measles is circulating. A second dose is also available for adults, upon recommendation of a healthcare provider.

If you were born before 1970 you are considered to have acquired natural immunity to measles. 

It is important for everyone to know your immunization and illness history and to ensure you are up to date with all publicly funded immunizations, including measles vaccine.

For questions about the measles vaccine or any other vaccine, contact the immunization team at immunization@hpph.ca or call 1-888-221-2133 Ext. 3558.

If you think you may have been exposed to the measles virus: 

• Ensure you are up to date with the measles vaccine.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you are at increased risk. Those at higher risk for infection include:
  • infants less than 12 months of age
  • pregnant individuals who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine
  • individuals with compromised immune system.
• Monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days following exposure, even if you are up to date with your measles vaccinations.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible, or contact HPPH’s infectious disease team at idteam@hpph.ca or 1-888-221-2133 Ext. 3284.

If you think you have measles:

• Stay home and avoid contact with other people.
• CALL ahead before visiting a medical clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and stop virus spread.
• Wear a well-fitting mask (medical grade if possible, such as a surgical mask or N95) if you need to leave your home for medical care.
• Your healthcare provider will assess you for measles and will test you if they think you may have measles.
• If you're diagnosed with measles, a healthcare provider or laboratory will report your test result to your local public health unit. Your local public health unit will contact you to try to figure out:
  • how you became infected
  • who you've been in contact with to determine if they could have been exposed.

This process is carried out to prevent the spread of measles.

There are no specific antiviral treatments for a measles infection. Medications can be used to help relieve symptoms and manage complications if they develop. Most people with measles recover at home within two to three weeks, but people with severe measles may require hospitalization.

About measles | Ministry of Health

Measles: What you should know fact sheet | Health Canada

What should parents know about measles | Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario