Measles - Peel Public Health

What is Measles?

Measles, also known as "Red Measles" or Rubeola, is a very contagious infection caused by a virus
It usually occurs in young children, but anyone who is not protected can be infected with measles
Anyone born after 1970 who has not had measles and has not had vaccine to protect against measles can become infected.
Adults born before 1970 are considered immune to measles

It starts with high fever, cough, runny nose, and redness of the eyes
Followed in 3-7 days by a red, blotchy rash usually starting on the face and then moving to the body
Small, white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots) may also appear, these symptoms last about 5 days
Measles is more severe in infants and adults than in children

A person who is infected with measles can spread the virus to others through coughing or sneezing
The measles virus can also live outside the body (e.g., on surfaces and door handles) for up to two hours
Measles is easily spread from person to person
A person with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before to 4 days after the onset of rash
Symptoms usually appear 8 to 14 days after exposure to a person with measles but may take as long as 21 days
A person can only spread measles when infected

The MMR vaccine protects against 3 diseases: measles, mumps and rubella
Since 1996, immunization with 2 doses of measles vaccine is required by law for all children under 18 years of age attending school in Ontario
The first dose must be given on or after the first birthday
The second dose should be given between 4-6 years of age given as a combined MMR and varicella (chicken pox) vaccine at 4-6 years of age; prior to starting school.

If you have symptoms of measles, call your doctor before going to the doctor's office as it is important that the infection is not passed on
To confirm measles the diagnostic tests required are nasopharyngeal and/or a throat swab, blood tests and urine collection.
Anyone with measles or suspected measles will be excluded from school until the fifth day from when the rash started
People who are not fully immunized against measles will be excluded from school if a case of measles is identified in their school

There is no specific treatment for measles
Supportive care in hospital may be needed for severe infections but most people infected with measles can recover at home

All suspect or confirmed cases of measles must be reported to the health department
Measles may still occur in Canada because of inadequate immunization
Exposure may occur by being infected abroad or by contact with a foreign visitor from parts of the world where measles is common
Contacts of cases are assessed for proof of immunization or immunity

For more information on getting the MMR vaccine, contact your local Walk-In-Clinic (PDF 27 KB) or speak to your doctor.