Measles

On this page you will find information related to measles infection risks, vaccination, how to access your or your child's immunization history, and supports for health care providers. This page will be updated regularly as the situation evolves.

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measles INFO FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Information About Measles

Read our Measles Fact Sheet to learn more about measles.

What is measles?

Measles a highly contagious viral infection. A vaccine is available to prevent it.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include:

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (Conjunctivitis)
Red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Common complications include: diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections, and death.

How it spreads

Measles can spread to others through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can also live on a surface or in the air where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

People with measles infection are considered infectious/contagious 4 days before the rash begins, to 4 days after the rash begins.

In addition to immunization, consider other ways to prevent measles, including washing your hands, avoiding crowds, and staying home whenever you feel unwell.

Measles: It's more than just a little rash

What to do if you think you have measles

If you think you have measles, it is important to:

Isolate immediately by staying home and avoiding contact with others.
Call before visiting a healthcare provider, clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent virus spread.
Wear a well-fitting, high quality mask when seeking medical assessment.

Your doctor or healthcare provider will assess you for measles and will test you if they suspect you have measles.

How is measles diagnosed?

Measles is diagnosed with laboratory tests including a swab (nasopharyngeal or throat), urine and blood
If you have symptoms, have travelled or were exposed to measles, call ahead and follow the isolation guidance.
Self-tests for measles are not available.

How is measles treated?

There is no specific treatment for measles. Most people recover at home.
Hospitalization may be needed for severe infections or for those who are at-risk for severe illness.
Measles vaccination is the best protection to prevent an infection.

Who is at-risk of infection?

Anyone who is not vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccines or has not had a known measles infection is at-risk of getting sick with measles.

Contact your health care provider if you are unsure of your vaccine or infection history.

Consider downloading the CanImmunize App to keep track of vaccination records. Click here to access it.

Where can I learn about cases in Canada?

Refer to Health Canada's weekly monitoring report for measles and rubella cases in Canada.

Fast links: Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles. Under the current provincial schedule for vaccination, some populations are eligible for publicly-funded measles vaccines through specific health service providers.

Populations served by Public Health or Primary Care Providers

Children up to age 18 who are due or overdue for a measles-containing vaccination.
Infants aged 6 to 11 months who are travelling to a region with a high-risk of measles transmission. They can also seek vaccination through a Travel Medicine Clinic which may include fees.

Populations not currently served by Public Health, and are advised to consult with their Primary Care Provider

Post-secondary student adults (18+) who have had one dose.
Adults (18+) who have had one dose and are travelling to a region with a high-risk of measles transmission. They can also seek vaccination through a Travel Medicine Clinic which may include fees.
Military personnel and health care workers who do not yet have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, regardless of year of birth (unless they can demonstrate immunity to measles).
Some immunocompromised individuals who require consultation before obtaining live vaccines.
Any other adult who requires consultation about eligibility for a publicly-funded measles-containing vaccination at this time.

Topic or Question	Best Resource
Types of vaccines	Two doses of measles-containing vaccine given after the first birthday provides protection from measles. There are currently two measles-containing vaccines available in Canada: MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) and MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella). Both vaccines are made from weakened live viruses.
Immunization in Ontario	In Ontario, children are routinely given two doses of measles-containing vaccines: the first dose (MMR) is given soon after the first birthday, and the second dose (MMRV) is given at 4 to 6 years of age. Ontario has administered the MMR vaccine as part of routine immunizations for children attending elementary schools since the 1970s. Travel-Related: Infants 6-11 months may be given one dose of MMR vaccine if infant is travelling outside of Canada. (Note: Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine must be administered after the child is 12 months old to ensure long lasting immunity to measles). Infants under 6 months of age should not receive MMR vaccine.
Access your or your child's immunization record	www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork or your paper record (yellow card) Missing vaccination information? Contact your health care provider for support. Consider downloading the CanImmunize App to keep track of vaccination records. Click here to access it.
Book a measles vaccination for a child (up to age 18)	www.swpublichealth.ca/booking Only available to children up to 18 years of age.
Book a measles vaccination for an adult (over age 18)	In general, adults who have already received two doses or were born before 1970 are considered protected against measles. Any adult with only one dose is eligible to receive a second if they are planning to travel to areas of concern, or they are a health care worker or post-secondary student. If you are older than 18 years of age, contact your health care provider or a Travel Medicine Clinic for support. Travel-Related: Speak with your health care provider about vaccination if you will be travelling outside of Canada.
Specific populations	In general, adults born before 1970 are considered protected against measles; however, some of these individuals may be susceptible. Health care workers and military personnel are recommended to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine regardless of year of birth (unless able to demonstrate immunity to measles). These individuals should NOT receive the vaccine: Infants under 6 months of age Pregnant people Some immunocompromised individuals (speak with your health care provider before receiving a measles-containing vaccine) When considering immunization with a live vaccine for an immunocompromised person, approval from their attending physician should be obtained before vaccination All other contraindications
Measles boosters	There are currently no boosters for measles in Canada. The current recommendation is to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine in childhood for lifetime protection.
Vaccine safety and effectiveness	One dose of measles-containing vaccine given at 12 or 15 months of age is 85% to 95% effective at preventing measles. Two doses is 99% effective at preventing infection. Here are resources related to MMR and MMRV vaccines in Canada: Immunize Canada: Measles vaccine information (several resources available) Health Canada: Don't wait - vaccinate! Health Canada: Measles - Immunization Guide

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