Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection caused by the measles virus.

Measles can be spread from an infected person to others through the air. In fact, even after an infected person has left the area, measles can remain in the environment and infect others for up to 2 hours.

An infected person can spread measles to others from 4 days before the onset of the rash to 4 days after the rash begins.

Symptoms

Measles symptoms usually appear within 7 to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days in some cases. Initial symptoms include:

  • high fever
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • white spots in the mouth
  • red watery eyes that may be sensitive to light

A few days after the initial symptoms, a red rash develops on the face and spreads down to the arms and legs. The rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Symptoms last from 1 to 2 weeks.

Complications

While the initial symptoms are relatively mild in most cases, common complications include:

  • ear infections
  • pneumonia
  • diarrhea

The most severe complications, while rare, include:

  • respiratory failure
  • inflammation and swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
  • death

Individuals who get measles while pregnant may:

  • have a miscarriage
  • go into premature labour
  • give birth to an infant with low birth weight

What to do if you develop symptoms

As soon as you begin to develop symptoms, isolate at home and call a health care provider.

Before heading to a health care facility, call and notify them that you may have recently been exposed to measles. This will allow your health care provider to prepare for your visit and take the precautions required to prevent spreading measles to others upon your arrival. If possible, wear a medical grade mask to the appointment.

These instructions apply to all medical facilities, including your local emergency department.

DO NOT go to a health care facility or office without calling them first.

If you don't have a health care provider, the following resources are available to you:

  • Health811 (also available by calling 8-1-1) allows you to get in touch with a registered nurse who will provide you with free and confidential health advice. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English and French.
  • The EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What is the EOHU’s role when it receives a report of a measles case?

When the EOHU receives a report of a suspected or confirmed case of measles, the health unit’s infectious disease team starts an investigation in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Infectious Diseases Protocol.

The investigation includes a thorough assessment of the risk to the public through:

  • client interviews
  • risk assessment of exposure locations
  • contact tracing
  • determining steps to reduce further transmission of the infection

To protect the privacy of individuals involved, the EOHU makes every effort to notify contacts directly. If we are unable to identify or notify contacts of a potential exposure, a public service announcement may be issued.

Treating measles

There are no antiviral treatments for a measles infection. However, medications can help relieve symptoms and manage complications if they arise. Most people with measles recover at home, and their healthcare provider will likely instruct them to:

  • take medication to reduce their fever
  • drink plenty of fluids
  • get lots of rest

Individuals with severe measles may require hospitalization. If your symptoms worsen and you need to seek urgent health care, remember to call ahead to prevent spreading measles to others.

Most people fully recover from measles within 2 or 3 weeks if they don't develop complications.

How to protect yourself and your family

Given that measles is a vaccine preventable disease, immunizations are the best defence against measles. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and greatly decreases the chances of catching measles and bringing it home with you.

In Ontario, children receive two doses of the measles (MMR) vaccine as part of the publicly funded routine immunization schedule:

  • the first dose is given on or after their first birthday
  • the second dose is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years old

Individuals born before 1970 likely had measles as children and are generally considered immune. People born in or after 1970 are considered fully protected if they received two doses of a measles vaccine. Individuals who are unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.

Check your vaccination records to ensure you have received measles-containing vaccines. The measles vaccine might appear on your records as "MMR", "MMRV", or "M". If you have reported your immunizations to the health unit, you can verify them online by visiting www.eohu.ca/myimmunization.

If you or your child are not up to date on your vaccinations, please contact your health care provider to receive missing immunizations. Residents without a health care provider can also receive their routine immunizations at the EOHU.

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