Measles

April 5, 2025|Laura Perri|News

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. This virus can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface.

What do you need to know?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. This virus can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface.

Clinical signs or symptoms of measles include:

Fever (≥ 38.3◦C – oral), cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Koplik spots (tiny blue-white spots inside the mouth/cheek area)
Red circular rash appears 3-7 days after these symptoms, first appearing on the face at the hairline spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet and lasting 5 to 6 days (publichealthontario.ca)

Vaccination is the best protection against measles!

Are you protected against measles?

You are considered protected against measles if you have at least one of the following:

Are born before 1970 (with the exception of health care workers who require evidence of vaccination or bloodwork suggestive of immunity)
Proof of vaccination with 2 valid doses of measles-containing vaccines (for example the MMR vaccine scheduled for infants at 12 months and then a second dose, MMR, given between 4 to 6 years of age)
Blood work showing antibodies to measles or documentation of laboratory confirmed measles infection

If you do not have ANY of the above then you are NOT protected against measles.

What if you are an adult born after 1970 who only received 1 measles vaccine (MMR) dose?

Adults may receive a 2nd measles vaccine dose if they meet the criteria below or based on their healthcare provider’s clinical judgement:

Healthcare worker
Post-secondary student
Planning to travel in areas where measles exposure remains a concern

What if you are not sure about your vaccine or immunization history or status?

If you are unsure about your vaccination status, your immunization records are unavailable, and are planning to travel to high-risk areas, then immunization with a measles containing vaccine is recommended over ordering lab testing to determine immune status.

According to Public Health Ontario, it is safe to administer additional measles containing vaccines to persons who may be already immune.

If you are born before 1970, then you are generally assumed to have natural immunity. However, if you are planning to travel to high-risk areas within or outside of Canada, then 1 dose of MMR vaccine is recommended prior to travelling.

Please contact our office to book an appointment with our nurse by booking online, or if you are unable to book online, call our office*

What if you may have been exposed to measles or know you have been exposed to measles?

Stay home and isolate
Use a mask and be cautious not to touch surfaces where you may spread the virus
If you are feeling unwell and want to see your physician, please let us know about your exposure and/or symptoms when booking an appointment
PLEASE DO NOT COME DIRECTLY TO THE OFFICE

The updated areas of Measles outbreaks may be found on the Public Health Ontario website:

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Diseases-and-Conditions/Infectious-Diseases/Vaccine-Preventable-Diseases/Measles/Measles-Exposures-Ontario

Thank you. Ironoak Medical Clinic