About Measles
There are currently measles outbreaks in parts of Ontario, including cases in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads very easily through the air or through contact with respiratory secretions on surfaces. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
The best protection is a full measles vaccine series for anyone born after 1970.
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and drowsiness, followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and progresses down the body. Small white spots may appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present.
Individuals most at risk for complications from measles are unvaccinated infants, unvaccinated pregnant people, and people who are immunocompromised. Complications include ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, and in rare cases, death. There is no specific treatment for measles other than supportive care.
How to Know if You’re Immune to Measles
Many people are protected from measles through vaccination. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine or the Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine are given as part of routine childhood immunization.
Routine MMR Vaccine Schedule
- First dose: Given at 12 to 15 months of age.
- Second dose: Given at 4-6 years, but no later than school entry.
Two doses of measles-containing vaccine provide lifelong immunity for most people. If you’re unsure about your immunity, talk to your health care provider.
How to Check Your Immunization Status
If you want to check your immunization status, you can:
- Contact your health care provider – They can review your records and confirm which vaccines you have received.
- Check online – If you live in Lambton County, you can view your immunization records through the ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario) portal: https://lph.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome
To use ICON, you will need:
- An Ontario Health Card number or an Ontario Immunization ID number
Please note: Only records reported to Lambton Public Health will be available in ICON.
Do blood tests inform on immunity to Measles?
Public Health Ontario notes that if your immunization records are unavailable, vaccination with MMR vaccine is preferred rather than blood testing to determine measles immunity, due to potential false positive or false negative blood test results.
Adults born before 1970 are presumed to have measles immunity from when it was circulating in the past, except for susceptible health care workers, travellers to measles risk areas, and military personnel who should receive MMR vaccine even if born before 1970.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms of Measles
If you think you may have measles and need to see a health care provider, call the clinic or hospital before you go to inform them that you are having symptoms of measles. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic, or hospital.