Measles

Measles is a virus that spreads easily through the air.

Sometimes called rubeola or red measles, measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases and can be very serious. It can affect all ages, but tends to be more severe in people who are immunocompromised and very young children. Catching measles while pregnant can affect the baby.

Measles is spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing infected air. The virus remains active and contagious in the air for up to two hours. Measles is contagious even before symptoms develop, so many people may be exposed without knowing. 

Symptoms of measles:

Symptoms of measles can appear up to 21 days after a potential exposure. They include:

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• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red eyes
• small, white spots (known as Koplik spots) inside the mouth and throat
• red blotchy rash, which develops on the face and spreads down the body about three to seven days after symptoms begin and can last four to seven days.

What should you do if you have measles symptoms?

Call HealthLine 811 for instructions if you have symptoms of measles or think you were exposed to the measles virus. 

Do not attend a clinic or health care facility or hospitals in person if you are symptomatic. Anyone potentially exposed may be eligible for preventative treatment for up to six days after exposure. If you are in medical distress, please call BEFORE presenting to the emergency department or if you call 911 tell them that you have been exposed to measles. 

Measles can be prevented by vaccination.

The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and free. With two doses of a measles vaccination, such as (measles-rubella (MR), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and/or the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), is almost 100 per cent effective. Please review your immunizations in your MySaskHealthRecord or discuss with your health practitioner to ensure that you and your family’s immunizations are up to date.

Exposure Locations and Dates