“This is part of a trend of increasing cases of measles identified in multiple jurisdictions across Ontario,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO. “Measles is extremely contagious – particularly among unvaccinated people – and can be very dangerous, especially for infants under one year of age. With March Break on the horizon, it is important to be vigilant and protect yourself and your family.”
Measles spreads easily through the air from person to person when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain active for as long as two hours after a contagious person has left the area. You can get sick with measles by being in the same room or even in a different part of the same building as someone who is contagious. Measles can spread to others even before infected individuals start to show symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
- Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads over the rest of the body
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.
With two doses, the vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective at preventing measles. Children routinely receive measles vaccines at 12 months of age, and between ages 4 and 6.
If you have any symptoms or questions, contact your health care provider or visit wdgpublichealth.ca/measles for more information.
