Measles, also known as Red Measles or Rubeola, is a very contagious viral infection that can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death. Symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose & red eyes, and then a rash begins a few days later. Complications from measles can include respiratory failure, inflammation and swelling of the brain, blindness, deafness and brain injury.
Measles is rare in Canada because of vaccination, but cases are now on the rise. At this time, the risk of measles remains low in Nova Scotia, because most Nova Scotians are protected from measles by being vaccinated. Children in Nova Scotia are vaccinated against measles through the MMRV vaccine beginning at age 12 months, and again at age 18 months.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening infection that spreads very quickly and easily. The measles virus was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998—but it’s no longer a disease of the past, due to recent outbreaks in both the United States and Canada. Here are some tips to help keep your family safe from measles infection!
- Ensure measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV) are up to date. Children and adults born after 1970 should receive two doses of a measles-contain vaccine to be considered protected. Information on vaccines can be found here.
- Seek prompt medical care if your child develops symptoms of measles, especially if you have recently travelled outside of Nova Scotia. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider that you/your child has a rash and/or measles symptoms as soon as possible, so they can keep all patients safe during your visit.
- Stay home while sick to avoid spreading your germs. The measles virus is extremely contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after you leave a room. People who are non-immune to measles (i.e.have not been vaccinated or already had measles infection) will almost always develop the infection after being exposed.
The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated.
For more information about measles and how to get vaccinated please visit:
https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health/infectious-diseases/measles
What should I do if my child develops symptoms of measles?
- Check for your child’s vaccine history. If your child is fully vaccinated against measles, this offers a high level of protection from measles infection.
- If your child is well and does not need medical care, follow NS Public Health guidelines (link) or contact 811 for additional support and advice.
- If your child needs urgent care and/or assessment, you can visit your healthcare provider or the IWK Emergency Department. Please call ahead to your health provider prior to arrival. If coming to the IWK Emergency Department, please let someone know immediately on arrival that your child may have measles so that we can help keep everyone safe.