Measles | CHEO

Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus that can cause a variety of symptoms including a blotchy red rash. It is contagious from 4 days before the rash starts to 4 days after the rash starts.

The measles virus lives in the nose and throat of a person who is infected and can be spread through the air (from breathing, coughing, or sneezing).

Because measles can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, it’s important to take precautions including wearing a mask and regular handwashing if you have symptoms to reduce the risk of spread to others.

Help keep everyone safe. If you, your child or youth have an upcoming appointment at CHEO and are experiencing symptoms or may have been exposed to measles — or you're just not sure — use our quick and confidential illness self-screening tool. It will guide you on what to do next and help keep everyone at CHEO safe. Learn more.

How to prevent measles

Measles is preventable by staying up to date with childhood routine immunizations, which includes two doses of the measles vaccine for children in Ontario. The measles vaccine is free, safe and effective — two-doses provide almost 100% protection and immunity is usually life-long.

More information on measles vaccination:

For more information and resources on measles vaccination for Ottawa residents, visit Ottawa Public Health’s Measles page.
Kids Come First’s Vaccinate and Up-To-Date campaign is here to make it easier for children and youth in the region to catch up on routine vaccines — book your appointment now.
For a list of vaccination clinics in schools and the Ottawa area, visit Parenting in Ottawa’s website.
To request a copy of your child’s immunization record, visit your local Public Health Unit’s website.

Signs and symptoms to look out for

Early symptoms of measles can include:

fever
cough
red, watery eyes
nasal congestion
tiny white spots in the mouth (called Koplik spots)

Around 3-7 days after those early symptoms begin, a blotchy red rash will appear on the face and upper neck, spreading down the body to the arms and legs. Symptoms can last for 1-2 weeks.

Caring for your child or youth with measles at home

If your child or youth hasn’t been fully vaccinated and is experiencing symptoms listed above, including developing a blotchy red rash on their face, you need to consult your family physician. In most cases you can still care for your child at home.

When caring for your child or youth with measles at home, here are some tips:

Keep them comfortable and hydrated.
Monitor their fever, which can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give ASA (acetylsalicylic acid/Aspirin) to children.
Follow Public Health guidance. Depending on the situation and your child or youth’s vaccination history and other risk factors, a public health official may advise you of the need to keep your child or youth home from school, get tested, get preventive treatment or get vaccinated.

When to seek additional care for measles

If your child hasn’t been fully vaccinated and is experiencing symptoms listed above, including developing a blotchy red rash on their face, you need to consult your family physician. In most cases you can continue to care for your child at home.

You can support your child or youth with measles at home by keeping them comfortable and following the tips above. If you are worried about any changes in their condition, here is more information on when to seek additional care.

Call your child or youth’s primary care provider if:

their fever doesn’t lessen within four days of the rash appearing
their cough gets worse
they start having ear pain

You should to go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if your child or youth:

becomes short of breath
is difficult to wake up
has a seizure
develops a severe headache
shows signs of dehydration with dry mouth or no urine for more than 8 hours

What to expect if coming to CHEO

If you think you, your child or youth may have measles symptoms, may have been exposed or you’re just not sure, use our quick and confidential illness self-screening tool. It will help guide you on what to do next.

We have screening measures in place in our emergency department and other clinical areas to identify and care for patients who may have been exposed to measles. Visit our Face masks at CHEO page for latest information on when and where to wear a mask at CHEO.

Children and youth with no measles symptoms or exposure can continue to attend their scheduled CHEO appointments.

More information

For more information and resources on measles:

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