Measles
What is it?
Measles, also known as red measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection. With the routine use of measles vaccine in Canada, very few children in Canada get measles. The disease can be more severe in infants and adults. It can be complicated by ear infections or pneumonia in one out of every 10 children and by encephalitis (infection of the brain) in one out of every 1,000 children. Pregnant woman who have measles can also have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever of 38.3° C (101° F) or greater
- Cough
- Runny nose and red/watery eyes
- Small red spots with a white speck in center (Koplik spots) also develop inside the cheeks
- A red blotchy rash on the face begins on the 3rd to 7th day and spreads downward to the rest of the body
- The rash will last between 4-7 days
- Measles usually last for two weeks
How soon do symptoms appear?
10 days after exposure to measles but can range from 7-18 days.
How is it spread?
The virus can spread through the air within 1 metre (3 feet) of a person with measles. It can stay in the air up to 75 minutes after the person with measles has left the room. It can also be spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person. Measles is one of the most contagious infections. Almost all unprotected people will develop measles after being exposed to a person with measles.
How long is it contagious?
- One day before fever develops and usually 4 days before the rash appears
- Measles remains contagious until 4 days after the appearance of the rash
Note: The rash which commonly appears 5-10 days after measles vaccination is not contagious.
When can a person return to daycare/school/work?
A person may return to regular duties 4 days after the rash first appears.
How is it diagnosed?
Measles should be diagnosed by a blood test, throat/nose swab or a urine test.
What is the treatment?
There is no treatment for measles.
How can it be prevented?
- Vaccination with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- It is recommended that children receive 2 doses of the vaccination. The first dose is given at 12 months and the second dose at 18 months. Before 2005, the second dose was given at 4 to 6 years of age
- People born before 1970 are likely to have already been infected and are considered protected. Those born after 1970 should have 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccination
- Measles vaccine given within 72 hours after exposure may provide protection to those born after 1970 who have not previously had 2 doses of MMR
- People traveling to areas where measles outbreaks are occurring should follow the recommendations for that area regarding the need for a second dose of MMR
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about Measles. It is not intended to replace medical consultation by your physician and/or other health care professionals.
Sources: Red Book 2008, 26th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 2008, 19th Edition, David L. Heymann.WHO (World Health Organization) Fact Sheet Nº286, January 2007.
