Measles

Protecting yourself from measles

Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough and fever, with red watery eyes that are sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a red blotchy rash that usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. White spots may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks. Check the health unit measles fact sheet for more information.

Who is at risk?

The risk of measles is low for those who have been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine, or those born before 1970; however, those who have not had two doses of measles vaccine are at high risk of contracting the disease. Those who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.

Measles is a contagious virus easily spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions of an infected person and through droplets in the air. A person with measles can infect others four days prior to and five days after rash onset.

If you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your health care provider. It is very important that you call ahead and notify the healthcare staff of your arrival as measles can be spread very easily.

If you may have been exposed to measles, please call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please do not drop into our offices. Again, because measles can be spread easily we want to cut the risk of exposing other people.

The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. This is a good reminder to review your records and bring your immunizations up to date. You can be vaccinated by your health care provider or call the health unit and ask about clinic times and locations. You can review this measles vaccination fact sheet.

People call also call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 after hours.