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.
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.