Measles Information

Measles spreads very easily. You can catch it by merely being in the same room as someone contagious, even up to two hours after they have left the room. A person with measles can spread the virus by talking, coughing, or sneezing, and they remain contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

Cases of measles are rising globally, with cases being reported in Ontario and other parts of Canada. The increase is mainly because of international travel and the disruptions in immunization delivery caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the higher number of unimmunized or partially immunized people, cases of measles continue to rise.

Travelers are at increased risk of exposure when sharing enclosed spaces with others during their trips. Travel not only exposes people to diseases currently impacting the country they are visiting but also exposes them to travelers from other countries.

Vaccination is very effective at preventing illness from measles. Make sure that you and your family are up to date with routine vaccinations. To find out whether you have been vaccinated, check your “yellow card” immunization record if you have one, or ask for your record from your family health care provider. If Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has a record, you can access it yourself by creating or accessing an account (you will require your health card) through ICON. You can also request your record by emailing vaccines@nwhu.on.ca; include “record request” and your community in the subject line.

NWHU is offering walk-in clinics across the region. Check our schedule Clinics, Classes, and Events page for dates and times.

We are urging the following groups to get vaccinated against measles as soon as possible:

• Children 12 months to 3 years who have had no measles vaccines,
• Children aged 4 to 18 years who have no or only one dose; this will appear on a record as MMR or Measles-Mumps-Rubella;
• Adults up to age 54 who have never had the vaccine or measles infection
• Adults who are health care workers, or post-secondary students and have not had 2 doses of MMR vaccine
• Anyone 6 months and older traveling in the next 4 weeks should check with their health care provider to find out if MMR vaccine is recommended; For travellers, those born before 1970 should have one dose; those born in 1970 and after should have two doses.

Symptoms of measles start 7-21 days after a person is infected, and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Red, blotchy rash
• Red eyes
• Diarrhea
• Feeling irritable or unwell

Complications resulting from measles infection can include:

• Severe bronchitis, ear infections and diarrhea
• Pneumonia
• Seizures
• Brain swelling
• Death

If you have travelled or been around someone who has travelled, and developed symptoms of measles, stay home, isolate yourself from others and call a health care provider to arrange testing.