Measles is an infection caused by a virus that spreads easily and can make you very sick. Measles is mainly spread through the air. You can catch measles when someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and the spray from their droplets land in your nose or mouth. The virus can live in the air for an hour or more, which means you can catch it by being in the same room with a person with measles or where someone with measles has recently been.
Measles is continuing to spread in Manitoba. Find more information here
Did you know?
In severe cases, measles can cause swelling of the brain, which is called encephalitis. This can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, hearing loss or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and babies born with a low birth weight.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- Measles begins with a fever, aches and pains, a runny nose, a severe cough (often bronchitis — an infection of the airways) and very red eyes. You may think it is a cold. Symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to the virus.
- In a few days, a reddish blotchy rash begins around the face and head, then spreads down to the body, arms and legs. Bright light may cause eye pain.
- Measles can cause an ear infection or pneumonia (a serious disease where breathing becomes difficult).
Did you know?
Measles is very contagious four days before the rash starts and up to four days after. This is why it is important to stay home if you know you have been exposed to someone with measles.
What should I do if I think I or my child(ren) have been exposed to measles or have symptoms?
Avoid contact with others. Stay home from work, school or daycare. Call your health-care provider or local public health office for advice. If you are going to a clinic or hospital, tell the front desk staff that it might be measles and follow their instructions. To help prevent the spread of measles, you should not wait in the same waiting room as other people.
Other ways to prevent spreading the virus are:
- washing your hands frequently
- covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze
- avoiding sharing personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss and cigarettes
Who are more likely to get very sick from measles?
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant people
- People with weakened immune systems
How can I protect myself or my children?
There is no cure for measles. You can protect yourself by making sure you are vaccinated. The measles vaccine is offered free of charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule.
Did you know? Babies six months to less than 12 months of age who live in, or are travelling to, areas of Manitoba where measles is spreading can get an additional dose of measles vaccine. For more information on vaccine eligibility visit: Vaccine Eligibility | Health | Province of Manitoba
If you or your child(ren) are eligible for the measles vaccine, appointments can be scheduled through your health-care provider or local public health office. A list of public health offices in Manitoba is available here. Please note that pharmacists do not administer publicly funded measles vaccines.
For general health inquiries, you can also call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
My baby cannot get the measles vaccine. Is there anything I can do to protect them?
Babies younger than six months of age cannot get the measles vaccine. Because of their young age, they can get very sick if they are exposed to the virus. Large events may expose people to measles, especially if they are held in areas where measles is spreading or where there have been several measles exposures. If your baby is too young to be vaccinated, you should think about this risk when deciding whether to go to large gatherings.
Antibodies against measles can pass into breastmilk/chestmilk. This means that if you have been vaccinated or previously infected, breastfeeding/chestfeeding can help protect your baby from measles.
Did you know?
If you are not fully vaccinated against measles, pregnant or have a weakened immune system and you were exposed to the virus, call your health-care provider right away. Depending on when you were exposed, you could receive measles preventive treatment. This can protect you from measles infection or make the symptoms less serious.
