Measles

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus. The best way to protect against measles is to be up to date with immunizations. With a recent rise in measles infections across Canada and globally, the public is recommended to ensure they are up to date on their measles immunizations and encouraged to book an appointment for a measles vaccination as required, particularly before returning to school, travelling or attending group events that may increase risk of being exposed to measles.

About measles 

Measles (also called rubeola or red measles) is a virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. Measles cases are increasing globally, with many countries reporting measles outbreaks, including in Canada.  

Symptoms

The first symptoms usually start seven to 18 days after exposure to the virus.

Initial measles symptoms typically include:  

• fever 

• cough 

• aches and pains  

• runny nose  

• red inflamed eyes 

After a couple of days (3-7), the characteristic rash of measles develops: 

• Measles rash is often described as blotchy in appearance. On light skin, the rash will appear red; whereas on dark skin the rash may appear darker or purple.   

• Typically, the rash begins behind the ears and on the face and spreads down to the body and to the arms and legs.  

Severe symptoms:

Measles can be dangerous because: 

• 1 in 10 people with measles will get middle ear or lung infections 

• 1 in 1,000 people with measles will get encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage 

• 1 to 3 of every 1,000 people with measles will die 

Spread of measles

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. It spreads when an infected person breathes out the virus in tiny droplets that become airborne. People can become infected by breathing in the virus or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. 

 Measles can be spread to others before any obvious symptoms of the virus. Measles spreads starting four (4) days before the rash appears and until four (4) days after the rash appears. 

Who is protected from measles

In general, in Newfoundland and Labrador: 

• Children who have received 2 doses of vaccine are considered protected. 

• Adults born before 1970 are considered protected. 

• Adults born 1970 or later who have had two valid doses of measles-containing vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart. 

• People who have laboratory evidence of previous measles infection or protective serology.  

Who is most at risk of measles

In general, those most at risk of getting sick from measles in Newfoundland and Labrador are: 

• People who are not fully vaccinated (or who have never had measles) that are exposed to the virus 

• Travellers to and from areas where measles is spreading 

 Those at highest risk of severe complications from measles include people who are: 

• less than 5 years of age  

• have weakened immune systems 

• are pregnant 

Immunization information

Measles has been successfully prevented and controlled nationally and globally through vaccination programs. Vaccinations are safe, effective, and the best way to protect against measles. High levels of community vaccination also help protect against the spread of measles, including to people who are immunocompromised and infants too young to be vaccinated. 

 Public health recommendations

The following is a summary of recommendations from Public Health for measles immunization in Newfoundland and Labrador: 

Travellers

Public Health has issued specific recommendations for those who are travelling outside Newfoundland & Labrador, particularly to areas where measles is known to spread or to an area where there is a measles outbreak.

If you think you have arrived in in the province with measles or if you need a vaccination: call 811 or visit 811’s website. In a medical emergency, always call 911.

Are your immunizations are up to date?

Find out your vaccination status by consulting your personal health records, contacting your primary health-care provider, or contacting your local public health office using NL Health Services location tool here.

Request immunization record

Book a vaccination appointment

Contact your local public health office to book a measles vaccination appointment.<

Individuals in the Eastern-Urban and Eastern-Rural Zones can contact the Vaccine Review Intake Line at 1-877-752-8171 for public inquiries about Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine eligibility and appointment requests.

Additional links

Government of Canada – Measles information and dashboard 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Immunization Information 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Measles