Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat of an infected person. It can spread easily through the air where an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, mouth, or eyes. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Someone who is contagious with measles can spread it to others from four days before a rash appears to four days after the rash appears.

Infants under 12 months and people who are pregnant or have a weak immune system can get very sick from measles.

Measles can also lead to:

• dehydration
• ear infections
• lung infections (pneumonia)
• swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
• hearing loss
• seizures
• permanent brain damage (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis)
• death

Measles in pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight and miscarriage.

Symptoms typically start 10 days after being exposed, but can start anywhere from 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally last for one to two weeks.

Symptoms include:

• fever
• red rash starts on the face and spreads down the body
• runny nose
• cough
• red and watery eyes
• feeling tired
• small white spots (Koplik spots) can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat

If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider. Measles is highly contagious: always call ahead before seeking medical care, so that practices can be put in place to prevent infecting staff or other patients.

Routine Measles Vaccine Recommendations
(Ontario’s Publicly Funded Schedule)

Age Range - 6 – 11 months*

One dose IF they are traveling to an area with increased measles activity (including global travel)

Age Range - Children

Two doses of the measles-containing vaccine:

1. One dose of MMR vaccine at 1 year of age
2. One dose of MMRV vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age (preferably prior to school entry)

Age Range - Adults**

One dose if they have never received MMR previously

Adults who have received only 1 dose of MMR are eligible to receive a 2^nd dose if they are:

• Health care workers
• Post-secondary students
• Planning to travel to areas where disease is of concern
• Based on health care provider’s clinical judgement

*Infants who receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 6 – 11 months of age should still receive two doses at recommended intervals after 12 months of age to ensure long term protection.

**Adults born before 1970 are generally presumed to be immune to measles. However, some people may be unsure if they had measles or the vaccine and are recommended to receive at least one dose.

The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective, efficacy with 1 dose is 93% and 2 doses is 97%. For those planning to travel it is also important to note that the vaccine takes 2-3 weeks to reach full effect.

Where to get the vaccine:

The measles vaccine is available at your health care provider’s office.  Individuals without a health care provider can book an appointment at the Peterborough Public Health Routine Immunization Clinic by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 331. 

If you think you have Measles, it is important to:

• Isolate immediately by staying home and avoiding contact with others.
• Call before visiting a clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent virus spread.
• Wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when seeking medical assessment.

Your doctor will assess you for measles and will test you if they suspect you have measles.

Been exposed to measles?

As a precaution, everyone who was exposed should monitor for symptoms.

If you do not have vaccination records, and cannot obtain them, then you can get revaccinated. You can contact your health care provider. Parents can update vaccination records for school-aged children.