Measles is a very serious and highly contagious illness that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
Because of immunization, measles is now a rare disease in Canada. Most cases occur in unimmunized people, including visitors to Canada, who have traveled overseas. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against measles. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.
Infants under 12 months and unvaccinated adults are most at risk of severe illness or death.
Who is at risk?
You are at risk of getting measles if:
- You have never had measles, and
- You have not received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine after 12 months of age
How measles spreads
Measles is very contagious and spreads easily. When an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, the virus spreads through the air. The measles virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours. You can become infected when you breathe in these droplets or touch objects contaminated with the virus. The airborne spread of the measles virus makes the disease very contagious. Sharing food, drinks or cigarettes, or kissing someone who has the virus can also put you at risk.
Symptoms of measles
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes that are often sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs. The rash lasts about 4 to 7 days. There may also be small white spots inside the mouth.
Symptoms can start as soon as 7 days after a person is infected with the measles virus.
