The measles virus is in the nose and throat of an infected person. It can be spread easily by:

• Coming into contact with droplets of an infected person
• Breathing in the air of the room where the infected person has been recently. The virus can survive in the air for an hour or more
• Children are very contagious up to 4 days before the rash starts

Call your doctor immediately if you think you have measles. It is important to:

• Isolate immediately by staying home and avoiding contact with others.
• Call before visiting a clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent virus spread.
• Wear a well-fitting mask when visiting a clinic or hospital.

Your doctor will assess you and, if they suspect measles, may order additional tests.

If you think you have come into contact with someone that has measles, you should:

• Notify the HKPR District Health Unit. Call 1-866-888-4577 x 4050, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email info@hkpr.on.ca.
• Check your vaccination record. Confirm that you any household family members have received two (2) doses of the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). Those born before 1970 may only have received one (1) dose.
• Consider vulnerability and need for post-exposure care. If you were at any of the exposure points during the date and time listed AND are considered immunocompromised, unvaccinated (including children under the age of one year) or pregnant, contact the Health Unit to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure care.
• Monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you develop any symptoms. Do not attend work or school and call your primary health care provider to notify them that you may have measles.

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles from a recent public exposure location or confirmed case, follow these steps:

1. Notify the HKPR District Health Unit. Call 1-866-888-4577 x 4050, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email info@hkpr.on.ca.
2. Check your vaccination record. Confirm that your household family members have received two (2) doses of the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). Those born before 1970 may only have received one (1) dose.
3. Consider vulnerability and need for post-exposure care. If you were at any of the exposure points during the date and time listed AND are considered immunocompromised, unvaccinated (including children under the age of one year) or pregnant, contact the Health Unit to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure care.
4. Monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you develop any symptoms. Do not attend work or school and call your primary health care provider to notify them that you may have measles.

Immunization remains the best protection against measles, and Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule includes two doses of the highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines for children before the age of seven years. 

A complete MMR series for children requires 2 doses:

• 12 months: 1st dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• 4-6 years: 2nd dose MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella)

MMR immunization is recommended for adults who are unvaccinated, the immunization record is unavailable or who meet high risk criteria**:

• 26 years of age and older: One (1) lifetime dose of MMR is recommended (**unless high risk criteria are met then two doses is recommended).
• 25 years of age and younger: Two (2) lifetime doses of MMR are recommended

**High risk criteria for 2 doses of MMR:

• • Health care workers
  • Post-secondary students
  • Plans to travel to areas where disease is of concern.
  • The health care provider’s clinical judgement

If you have any questions about whether you are protected from measles, please contact your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, please call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050.

Immunization records provide a history of all the vaccines a person has received. People without immunization records are considered unimmunized and unprotected. This is because when it comes to protection from measles, assuming that the vaccine was given sometime in the past is not the best way to protect yourself.

If you can't find an immunization record, either through your doctor or the health unit, the recommendation is to receive a dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The reasons for this are as follows:

• Individuals without written proof that they received the MMR vaccine, may not have. 
• Vaccination of individuals with the MMR vaccine is safe even if they did receive undocumented doses of MMR vaccine in the past
• Bloodwork to determine immunity is not always reliable and is not routinely recommended.

For some people who are pregnant or who have certain health conditions, it is not safe to receive the MMR vaccine. Your health care provider can help you figure out what is best for you based on your health risk factors.

Please note: There is no vaccine that only contains measles in Canada. The vaccine provided is a combination vaccine that contains measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Due to the increased risk of exposure when travelling internationally, the HKPR District Health Unit is recommending that travelers be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, and eligible people who are not up to date with their measles vaccination receive a dose of the MMR vaccine, including:

• Infants six to 11 months who will be travelling.
• Any child who missed their first and/or second dose of the MMR vaccine.
• Adults aged 18 years and older who have previously received one dose of MMR vaccine should receive a second dose if they are health care workers, post-secondary students, planning to travel or based on their doctor’s recommendations.

No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the travel health notices page for your destination to ensure you can be prepared and protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. It is important to monitor your health before, during and after your trip, so by planning ahead and ensuring you (and your children) are fully vaccinated, you can enjoy your vacation knowing you all have the best protection.

Measles | Caring for kids (cps.ca)

Measles: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca

Defending Ontario Against Measles 

Measles Exposures in Ontario | Public Health Ontario

If you are a Health Care Provider, please visit our Health Care Provider Resources webpage for guidance documents.