Measles

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. Measles is an airborne disease which spreads through droplets from the nose and throat of those infected.

Measles was widespread in North America. It has become rarer because of the effectiveness of immunisation campaigns. Even today, however, Québec sometimes experiences outbreaks of measles.

Measles remains one of the major causes of death among young children globally. Yet there is a safe and effective vaccine against this disease.

If you have been in contact with someone with measles

If you have been in contact with someone with measles, contact your doctor or your CLSC immediately. It will then be possible to check whether you can receive a vaccine or an injection of antibodies, meaning a type of protein, against measles.

• The injection of antibodies provides immediate protection if given within 7 days after contact with a contagious person. The antibody injection is recommended for:
  • Pregnant women who have never received the measles vaccine or who have never had measles
  • Babies younger than a year old
  • People with a weak immune system
• The vaccine is intended for all other people who have been in contact with someone with measles and who is contagious. It can be effective in preventing measles if given within 72 hours of contact

If you show symptoms

If you show symptoms of measles, you should consult a doctor promptly. However, first call your health clinic or your healthcare facility to inform them of your arrival and of your health condition. Given that measles is highly contagious, they will advise you on precautions to take before showing up. This way, you will avoid transmitting the disease to close contacts or other people when you get to the clinic.

There is no specific treatment against measles. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against this disease.

If you have measles, you must stay home and do the following:

• Rest in bed
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take medication for fever or discomfort

Complications of measles may include:

• Ear infection (5 to 9% of cases)
• Pneumonia (1 to 5% of cases)
• Convulsions (the body stiffens and muscles contract in a jerky and involuntary manner)
• Permanent brain damage (1 in 1,000)
• Death (1 in 3,000)

People most at risk of complications

Complications are most common in the following:

• People with an immune system that is weakened by treatment against another disease or by a serious illness such as leukemia
• Babies younger than a year old

Pregnant women who have measles can be more severely affected. They are also more at risk of having a miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.

Measles is a contagious disease. It is possible to get infected and to catch the disease without being in direct contact with someone with the disease. For instance, it could be enough to be in the same room as a contagious person, even for a very brief period.

Preventing transmission

Children and adults who are sick should stay home from school and work and avoid young children and pregnant women. They should stay home until four days after the rash appears.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to be protected against measles.

The measles vaccine is a combined vaccine, which means that it protects against several diseases at the same time. Components of the vaccine vary depending on the person’s age.

According to Québec’s immunization schedule, children are given the vaccine at 12 months and 18 months. The vaccine thus protects them adequately at a time when they are most at risk of catching measles. It is therefore imperative that you book an appointment as close as possible to the date on which your child turns one. Avoid postponing the measles vaccine, even if it means your child must receive several vaccines in that single appointment.

Anyone that has never received the measles vaccine, or that has never had the disease, should get vaccinated.

Since free vaccination was introduced in Canada, the number of cases of measles has decreased by almost 97%.

Precautions for travellers

Measles exists in many countries.  Before travelling, it is advised that you have your vaccination record and that of your children checked by a doctor or nurse. To know if you are adequately protected against measles, check with a travel health clinic, your doctor or CLSC, or contact Info-Santé 811.

Procedure for getting vaccinated

Under the Québec Immunisation Program, anyone can get vaccinated against measles for free.

See the Québec Immunisation Program page to know the procedure for getting vaccinated.

Anyone not protected against measles or that has not had the disease can catch it.

Measles is a reportable disease.

When laboratory staff and health professionals detect a case of measles, they must inform public health authorities.

Measles in the classroom: What to do

Should a school report a case of measles, and depending on how the illness evolves, non-vaccinated individuals may be asked to stay home until the outbreak has ended. During an outbreak, such individuals may return to school upon providing valid proof of vaccination. This measure is intended to protect the health of unprotected individuals and their communities.