Measles

Measles, also called Red measles, is a very contagious infection that is caused by the measles virus. It is more severe in infants and adults than in children.

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What are the symptoms of the measles?

A person may develop symptoms 10 to 12 days after being in contact with an infected person. The person may develop a high fever. After 2 or 3 days, tiny white spots may appear in the mouth. From day 3 to day 7, a characteristic red blotchy rash begins to appear on the face and spreads down the body to the arms and legs. This rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days. These symptoms generally last from 1 to 2 weeks.

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How do you get measles?

Measles is spread when a person comes in contact with an infected person. It is spread through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat when an infected person who is coughing, sneezing or talking. Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases.

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When is measles contagious?

Measles is highly contagious from 1 day before the first symptom appears until 4 days after the appearance of the rash. As a result, children diagnosed with measles should be excluded from school or childcare facilities until 4 days after the appearance of the rash.

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Is there treatment for measles?

Measles is caused by a virus, therefore there is no specific treatment.

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Is measles dangerous?

Complications of a measles infection are rare but can be dangerous. They include ear infections, pneumonia (1:10 cases), swelling in the brain (1: 1,000 cases) or death (1:3,000 cases). Pneumonia accounts for 60% of deaths, mostly in infants.

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How can I protect myself against the measles?

The best way to protect yourself against the measles is to receive the measles vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. One dose of the measles vaccine provides immunity for 94 percent to 98 per cent of individuals and a second dose increases immunity levels to 99%. The vaccine is given to children at the age of 12 months and again at 18 months.

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How safe is the measles vaccine?

The measles (or MMR) vaccine is very safe. Individuals who are ill with a fever or an infection worse than a cold should not receive the vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylactic shock), which could include trouble breathing, swelling on the skin or in the mouth from a prior dose of the MMR vaccine should not receive another MMR vaccine. Pregnant women should also not receive the vaccine. With any vaccine, there may be some redness, swelling or pain where the needle went in. Some children will have a fever and rash.

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What should I do if I develop measles?

Consult your health care provider immediately if you believe that you have measles or have been exposed to measles.

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How is measles diagnosed?

Measles is diagnosed by a blood test for measles antibodies.

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For further information call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744, ext. 24179, or visit one of the websites listed below:

Canadian Paediatric Society

Ontario Ministry of Health

Health Canada