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Immunization information about Measles (Rubeola) |
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What is measles?
Measles, also known as "Red Measles" or Rubeola, is a very easily
spread respiratory infection caused by a virus. It usually occurs
in young children, but anyone who is not protected can be infected
with measles.
How can I get measles?
Measles is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and
throat of infected persons. Less commonly, particles from an infected
person can stay in the air for long periods of time and infect others
in the same room or in neighbouring rooms. Measles is one of the easiest
viruses to spread from person to person. A person with measles can
spread the disease from four days before to four days after the rash
appears so people can pass the virus to others before they become
ill.
Who is at risk of getting measles?
Anyone who is not protected can get measles. Infants are most at risk
because immunity passed from their mother at birth decreases after
six months of age. College students and adults can also get measles
if they were never immunized or their protection from previous immunization
has decreased.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms appear in two stages. During the first stage, those
infected have a runny nose, red and watery eyes that are sensitive
to light and a slight fever. The second stage begins after three to
seven days when the fever increases usually becoming very high (103?
to 105° or 39.9° to 40.1°C). A red rash then develops,
first on the face and then moving down the trunk, legs and arms. Small,
white spots appear on the inside of the mouth (Koplik spots). These
symptoms last about five days with the rash clearing on the face first
and then the rest of the body. People with measles appear very sick.
How do I know if I have measles?
A person has measles if they have the signs and symptoms of the infection.
However, as measles is now rarely seen in Canada it is important to
confirm each infection with lab tests ordered by a doctor.
If I have contact with the infection, how long does it take to
get measles?
Symptoms can appear from eight to 13 days after contact but usually
appear in 10 to 12 days.
Can I get measles more than once?
No. Once someone has had measles they are protected for life.
What can happen if I get measles?
Most people who get measles are sick for up to 10 days and then recover
completely. Symptoms are more common and severe for infants and adults.
Complications of measles include pneumonia (lung infection), encephalitis
(swelling/inflammation of the brain), middle ear infections, seizures
and convulsions. Pregnant women with measles can have premature delivery
of their baby and miscarriages but measles does not cause birth defects.
In Canada, people rarely die from measles. Once you have been sick
with measles your body’s ability to fight off other infections is
decreased for several months.
How is measles treated?
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. It is important to speak to a doctor
before going to see one if you think you have measles so the infection
is not passed on to others.
What can I do to prevent measles?
People born before 1957 are considered protected from measles. Presently
children receive two shots of measles vaccine, one after their first
birthday and the other before they start school. Most adults born
after 1970 had one shot of measles vaccine as an infant. They should
get a second shot, especially if they are students at post-secondary
institutions, military recruits or health care workers, or if they
will be travelling to areas where they may be exposed to measles (such
as most developing countries).
What can I do if I come into contact with someone who has measles?
If an unvaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has
measles there are two actions that can be taken to prevent infection.
First, a shot of measles vaccine can prevent infection if given within
72 hours of contact with an infected person. Second, a shot of immunoglobulin,
can be given if this is done within six days of coming into contact
with an infected person. Immunoglobulin, a blood product containing
antibodies that help prevent infection, is usually given to people
at increased risk of severe complications from measles (e.g., infants,
pregnant women). The use of measles immunoglobulin will greatly reduce
the risk of measles infection after an unprotected person comes into
contact with the disease.
How common is measles?
Measles is rarely seen in Canada due to high rates of vaccination.
Worldwide, an estimated 43 million people get infected with measles
each year and more than one million people die from this disease.
Where can I find more information?
Call Toronto Public Health, Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.
This fact sheet can also be found on our Web site.
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