Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to people who are not vaccinated or have not previously had measles. It spreads through the air or contaminated surfaces and can linger for up to 2 hours. It can be passed to others from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after being infected and may include:
- high fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis, such as pink eye), sensitivity to light
- red rash lasting 4 to 7 days (starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body)
Unvaccinated people, particularly children younger than 5 years, and those who are pregnant, or have weakened immune systems, higher risk of complications from measles. These can include:
- pneumonia
- ear infections
- diarrhea
- hearing and vision loss
- respiratory failure
- brain swelling (encephalitis)
- seizures
- death
People who get measles while pregnant may have a miscarriage, experience premature labour, or give birth to an infant with low birth weight.
Vaccination is your best protection against measles
2 doses of measles vaccines provide nearly 100% protection. Children should receive their first dose of the vaccine at 12 months old and their second dose between 4 to 6 years old (usually before starting school).
Check your vaccination record to confirm you and your family members are up to date with measles vaccinations. If you are unsure, you can check with your doctor or health care provider.
When your child receives the vaccine, report it to Peel Public Health.
2 doses are recommended for anyone born in 1970 or later. In general, if you were born before 1970 you are considered protected against measles due to high levels of measles circulation at that time.
What to do if you think you have measles
If you think you may have been exposed to measles or have symptoms, use our self-assessment tool to understand your risk and what to do next.
You can answer the questions for yourself, a child, or someone who can’t do it themselves.
If you think you have measles:
- Isolate immediately and stay home.
- Contact your doctor or health care provider for next steps and testing.
- Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to let them know you've been exposed so they can take the necessary precautions to protect others as soon as you arrive.
- Wear a well-fitting, medical grade mask (surgical or N95) when getting assessed by a health care professional.
If you’re travelling
Ontario is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak.
If you're traveling to areas with increased measles activity, or anywhere internationally, make sure you're vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or health care provider to make sure you’re protected before traveling.
Vaccination recommendations for children with travel plans
Infants 6 to 11 months should receive one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine as soon as possible. 2 additional doses of measles vaccine continue to be recommended after the age of 12 months.
Children (one to 4 years) who received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine at 12 months (one year) of age are encouraged to receive a second dose as soon as possible (at a minimum of 4 weeks from the first dose).
Earlier measles vaccinations are recommended for children younger than 5 years because they are at higher risk of severe measles complications, including hospitalization and death.
Additional information from Public Health Ontario.
For best protection, get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel, but you should still get the vaccine any time before you leave.