Measles is a very contagious viral illness. The illness is more severe in young children, and adults over the age of 20 years. It is estimated that 1 to 3 of every 1,000 cases of measles dies due to respiratory (lung) or neurological (brain) complications.
Reporting |
Report to the Health Unit immediately by telephone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if Measles is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
How can I avoid getting measles? |
|
Vaccine Information |
Measles is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment. |
How does measles spread? |
It is spread when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks. It can be spread through the air, by being in direct contact with someone who is infected, and by touching a surface contaminated with the virus. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for as long as 2 hours. A person with measles can spread the virus from 4 days before, to 4 days after the first sign of a rash. |
What are the signs and symptoms of measles? |
Once you are in contact with measles, it usually takes about 10 to 12 days for symptoms to appear. However, you can develop symptoms anywhere from 7 to 21 days after being in contact with measles. The first symptoms of measles are:
About 3 to 7 days after symptoms begin, a rash develops on the face and then spreads down the body, arms and legs. This rash can last 4 to 7 days. |
What can happen if I get measles? |
Many people fully recover from measles within 2 to 3 weeks, but some people will have complications. Complications of measles include:
Complications for people who get measles while pregnant:
|
Can measles be treated? |
There is no treatment for measles. You can only provide supportive care. You can greatly reduce the chance of getting measles by getting the measles vaccine and if you have children, by making sure that they get the vaccine.
|
Can I get measles more than once? |
No. Once you have had measles you are now protected for life. |
I think I have measles, what do I do? |
Visit your health care provider immediately. Please call ahead to warn your health care provider before going, so they can make sure to protect other patients. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have Measles? |
Exclude from work, school, childcare, and other public activities for 4 days from the onset of the rash and only return once well enough to participate comfortably in activities. Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
More Information about Measles |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.