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Measles is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory system. It was once very common in North America. In fact almost everyone born before 1957 has likely had measles and as a result has full immunity. With effective childhood immunization programs measles cases in North America have dropped by 99 percent. If you have not been immunized your risk of contracting measles is very high especially if you visit a developing nation where immunization is not as widespread. Measles can result in serious complications including middle ear infections and pneumonia in one out of every 10 children and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in one of every 1000 children who become infected.

Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages:

The first stage begins with a runny nose cough and a slight fever. As the infection progresses the person's eyes become red and sensitive to light and the fever rises.

The second stage begins after 3 to 7 days. The fever reaches 103^oF-105^oF and a red blotchy rash appears. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to the chest back and arms and legs including the palms and soles of the feet. The rash lasts for 4 to 7 days. Small white spots might also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks.

Measles is caused by the measles virus which multiplies in cells of the respiratory tract in infected people. You can get measles by direct contact with fluids from an infected person's nose or mouth for example when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air for 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room and you can get measles simply by breathing the same air.

Infants are generally protected from measles for 6 to 8 months after birth due to immunity that was passed on from their mothers. Older children usually receive measles immunization according to provincial health regulations. If you have not been immunized against measles or if your immunity has decreased since childhood you are in a high risk group.

Measles lasts for one to two weeks. Because it is so contagious you must stay away from work school and social activities from the time when symptoms are first noticed until five days after the rash appears. There is no specific treatment other than resting in bed drinking lots of fluid and taking medicine for fever and headache. Never give aspirin to a child with a viral infection as it could cause Reye's Syndrome a potentially life-threatening condition.

Antibiotics do not help - either to cure measles or to prevent it. There are no anti-viral drugs for treating measles.

Measles can be prevented by immunization.

• All children should be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from measles. The measles vaccine is part of the MMR (measles mumps rubella) vaccine series given to children beginning at 12 months of age. Immunization : Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).
  
  
• Measles vaccine made before 1979 may not have been as effective as vaccine made today. Because of this doctors often recommend that those who were vaccinated before 1980 receive another measles shot if a measles outbreak occurs in their area especially if they are in a school setting. Women should not get the vaccine if they are already pregnant or if they plan to get pregnant within three months after getting the vaccine.

Additional Resources:

Ontario Public Health Units