Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air by coughing, sneezing, yelling, singing, and breathing.
Symptoms of Measles include:
• Fever of 38.3° C or higher
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes
• A red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
Who is most at risk?
• You are at risk of being in contact with measles if you travel outside of Canada or to areas within Canada where measles is spreading.
• Measles tends to be more severe in babies and adults.
• If you have measles, you can spread the disease before you show any symptoms.
Measles can spread starting 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
If you were born before 1970, there is a good chance you are immune to measles, as you were likely exposed to measles when it circulated widely before 1970.
Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. People born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection. Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine AND are pregnant, under one year of age, are adults and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles.
In Alberta, the measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.
However, anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with your local public health office.
