People who develop symptoms of measles, unless it is a medical emergency, should call a health care provider, 811, use the 811 app, visit 811’s website, or find out more about NL Health Services options for primary care for you here.
On this page, you can learn more about measles and how to protect you and your family.
Overview of 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
Preventing measles
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 isa summary of recommendations from Public Health for measles immunization in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Routine Immunization
12 months to adults born in or after 1970 should receive two (2) doses of a measles-containing vaccine
Adults born before 1970 in general, are considered protected against measles (With the exception of Health Care Workers & Military Personnel who require two (2) doses of measles containing vaccine regardless of age)
Travellers to destinations outside of NL or out-of-country
12 months to adults born in or after 1970, are recommended to have two (2) doses of MMR prior to travel
Adults born before 1970, are recommended to have one (1) dose of MMR prior to travel
Infants 6 to 12 months, are eligible to receive one (1) dose of MMR vaccine prior to travelling.
Preventing and controlling infection
NL Health Services is committed to best practices in infection prevention and control. Learn more about the prevention and control of infections such as measles here.
Anyone with infectious symptoms may be contagious and should call ahead and make arrangements for care before entering a health-care facility.
Use NL Health Services facilities tool to search for your local facility here; call 811 app, or learn about options for primary care for you here.
Get Help
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.
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.
