Measles

View all recent known measles exposures and timelines below, as well as a risk assessment tool to help you determine what actions to take if you were exposed. Always call ahead before seeking a medical assessment by a healthcare provider if your measles symptoms cannot be managed at home.

Have I been exposed to measles?

If you were present at the below locations during the timelines shown, you may have been exposed to measles. 

• Woodstock Hospital - Emergency Department (310 Juliana Drive, Woodstock) between: 9:30PM on January 15 and 1:44AM on January 16
  
  
• Alexandra Hospital - Emergency Department (29 Noxon Street, Ingersoll) between: 11:57PM on January 17 and 2:13AM on January 18
  
  
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg) between: 9:00AM and 1:00PM on January 25
  
  
• St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital - Emergency Department (189 Elm Street, St. Thomas) between: 4:30PM and 6:52PM on January 26
  
  
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg) between: 10:37PM on January 26 and 12:45 AM on January 27
  
  
• Woodstock General Hospital - Emergency Department (310 Juliana Drive, Woodstock) between 10:41AM and 1:15PM on January 27
  
  
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg): between 10:00PM on January 27 an 12:15AM on January 28

If you were born in 1970 or later, AND are not up-to-date with your vaccinations, please call public health at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 1232. This includes those who were only there briefly on the dates and times shown.

Read our recent news updates for more information.

What actions should you take if you were exposed to measles? 

1. Check your immunization history or contact your health care provider to confirm if you and your family members are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
   
   
2. Watch for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after exposure, even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations. During this time, if you are unvaccinated avoid contact with vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and children.
   
   
3. Those who were present with an infant under twelve months of age, are pregnant, or are immunocompromised, are advised to immediately call public health at 1-800-922-0096 as you may be eligible for preventive treatment.
   
   
4. Call ahead to all health care settings if you have been exposed to, are a contact of, or have symptoms consistent with measles. This ensures that the health care settings can prepare for your arrival to prevent further exposures.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus. It spreads easily through the air when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

Measles is a reportable disease of public health significance that can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death. 

Check or update your immunization record to make sure you and your family are up-to-date with vaccinations.

How do I book a vaccine appointment?

• For children under 18: Book through Public Health for eligibility of a free measles vaccine.

• Children typically receive a first dose at the age of 1 and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Don’t delay the second dose if your child is already 4.

  • During an outbreak, the second dose of vaccine can be given as early as one month after the first and should be no later than 4 for those who live, play, travel to, or worship to an area with known measles risks.

  • During an outbreak, parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about getting a first dose of measles-containing vaccine between 6 & 11 months to protect infants earlier. Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine will still be required after the age of one, but this earlier dose can help infants be greater protected against the health impacts of a measles infection. This is especially important if you live, play, travel to, or worship in an area with known measles risks.
• Generally, adults born before 1970 are protected, however, some exceptions are people who work in healthcare or are members of the military. For those born after 1970, two doses of the measles vaccine provide up to 99% lifelong protection.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms start 7 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. The main signs include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes

• Red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body

Complications can include:

• Diarrhea

• Ear infections

• Pneumonia (lung infection)

Rare but serious complications:

• Brain infection (encephalitis)

• Death

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads when:

• You breathe air where an infected person has coughed or sneezed

• You touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

You can spread measles to others 4 days before the rash starts and until 4 days after the rash starts

How can you prevent the spread of measles?

1. Get vaccinated: The best way to protect yourself is to get two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

3. Stay home if you feel sick.

4. Avoid crowds during a measles outbreak.

What do you do if you think you have measles?

If you think you have measles:

1. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Learn more about isolation guidelines.

2. Call ahead before you visit a doctor, clinic, or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent virus spread.

3. Wear a mask if you need to go out for medical care. Check that you are wearing a high quality mask.

How is measles diagnosed?

Measles is diagnosed through laboratory tests. These tests may include:

• A swab of your nose or throat (nasopharyngeal or throat swab)

• A urine sample

• A blood test

How is measles treated?

There is no specific medicine to treat measles. Most people get better at home with rest and fluids.

Some people may need to go to the hospital if they get very sick. Measles vaccination is the best protection to prevent an infection.

Who is at risk?

You are at risk if:

• You have not had two doses of the measles vaccine

• You have never had measles before

The high-risk groups are:

• Babies under 12 months old

• Pregnant people

• People with weak immune systems

If you’re not sure about your vaccine history, check your immunization record or talk to your health care provider.

Where can you learn about measles cases in Canada?

Visit Health Canada’s weekly measles report for updates.

What vaccines protect against measles?

There are two vaccines:

1. MMR – Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella

2. MMRV – Protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox

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.

Note: Infants ages 6 -11 months of age who live, play, travel to, worship in, or otherwise in the Southwestern Public Health or the Grand Erie Public Health region may be given an early dose of MMR vaccine.  Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine will still be required after the age of 1 year of age.

Additional resources 

• Read our Measles Fact Sheet to learn more about measles

• Measles: It's more than just a little rash

• Download the CanImmunize app to track your vaccinations

• For information on MMR and MMRV in Canada:

• Immunize Canada: Measles vaccine information (several resources available)

• Health Canada: Don't wait - vaccinate