About measles

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. Measles is an airborne disease which spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Measles was widespread in North America. It has become rarer because of the effectiveness of immunisation campaigns. Even today, 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.

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
• Avoid contact with other people
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids, like water
• Take medication for fever or discomfort

Complications of measles may include:

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

Complications are most common in the following:

• Babies under one year old
• People with an immune system that is weakened by treatment against another disease or by a serious illness such as leukemia
• Pregnant people who are not adequately vaccinated against measles

Pregnant people who have measles are more at risk of having a miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.

In the event of exposure to the virus, these people should contact Info-Santé 811 promptly to be evaluated and, if necessary, receive preventive treatment. The latter consists of an antibody injection to be administered within seven days of exposure.

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 during a short period of time.

The virus can survive for several hours suspended in the air and can even disperse. The disease can also be transmitted through direct contact, by touching an infected person or contaminated objects.

Children and adults who are sick should stay home from daycare centre, school and work and avoid being in contact with young children, people with weakened immune system and pregnant people. They should stay home until four days after the rash appears.

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.

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 appointment.

Anyone born from 1970 onwards who has never received the measles vaccine or who 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%.

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, a CLSC, a local point of service or call 1-877-644-4545.

Verify if you are considered protected. Vaccination against measles is free under the Québec Immunization Program.

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

You can schedule an appointment on the website Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545. Measles vaccination is available at local points of service in several regions of Québec.

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.

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. 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.