Currently, there are no active public exposures to measles reported.

• Measles, also called red measles, is a very contagious infection that is caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious health complications, including hospitalization, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and, rarely, death. It is usually more severe in infants and adults than in children.

• Measles is spread when a person comes in contact with an infected person. It is spread through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat when an infected person is coughing, sneezing or talking. Measles is one of the most highly communicable diseases in the world.

What Are Symptoms of Measles?

Symptoms of measles may develop 7 to 21 days after exposure to an infected person.

Symptoms include:
• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Red eyes
• Small white spots may appear in the mouth and throat
• A red blotchy rash begins to appear on the face 3 to 7 days after the start of symptoms, then spreads down the body to the arms and legs. This rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Symptoms generally last from 1 to 2 weeks.

If you develop symptoms of measles:
You should be assessed by a physician, and notify the health care facility that you plan to visit so that they are aware of your symptoms prior to your arrival. You should also wear a medical grade mask to the appointment. In the meantime, stay at home to avoid potentially exposing other people.

Measles is diagnosed by a blood test, a urine sample, a nasopharyngeal swab, and a throat swab.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Advise them of your symptoms and if you were exposed to measles. If possible, wear a medical grade mask.

If you were exposed to someone with measles:
Residents of Renfrew County and District should call RCDHU 613-732-3629. Depending on the situation, your vaccination history, and other risk factors, a public health official may advise you of the need to stay home from work or school, get tested, get preventive treatment or get vaccinated.

The best way you can protect yourself and others against measles is by getting the measles vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine can also be combined with the varicella vaccine (MMR-V) for some individuals. MMR and MMR-V are very safe vaccines and very effective against measles. Two doses of measles vaccination is 97% effective at preventing infection.

Infants
Infants 6 to 11 months of age should get a dose if they are travelling to an area with increased measles activity.
Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine must be administered after the child is 12 months old to ensure long lasting immunity to measles.

Children
Children should get two doses of the measles vaccine – a dose of MMR vaccine at 1 year of age and a dose of MMRV vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age (preferably prior to school entry).

The best way you can protect yourself and others against measles is by getting the measles vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. MMR vaccine is very safe and very effective against measles.

Adults born in or after 1970 can receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine. This is particularly important for certain groups, including:
• healthcare workers
• child care workers
• school staff
• post-secondary students or staff
• military members
• those travelling to areas with increased measles activity

Adults born before 1970 are usually protected due to childhood measles infection. However, some remain susceptible and can be immunized with one dose if they are unsure if they had measles or the vaccine. A second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended regardless of birth year for the following groups:
• health care workers
• post-secondary students
• individuals planning to travel to areas with increased measles activity
• individuals for whom a second dose is recommended based on a healthcare providers clinical judgement

It is important to have an up to date copy of your immunization records. If you have missing or incomplete records, use these tips for locating your immunization records.

Individuals may be able to access their records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

It is important to have an up to date copy of your immunization records. If you have missing or incomplete records, use these tips for locating your immunization records.

Individuals may be able to access their records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

How can I update my immunization records?
You can submit and update your immunization records online using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

ICON is a secure online system for submitting, updating, viewing, and printing your or your child’s immunization information to RCDHU.
How to use ICON:
You will need to create an account and set a PIN for you or your child. To create an account and set a PIN, you will need the following information:
Ontario Health Card AND Postal Code (these must be on file with RCDHU)

OR

Ontario Immunization ID (OIID): To obtain the OIID and get assistance setting your PIN, call Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.

Important: When submitting records on ICON, please upload a picture of the record so we can verify that the correct vaccine is entered.
Other ways to update your record:

If you choose to share immunization records through email, fax, mail, or in person, the following form must be completed – Immunization Program Questionnaire and attached to a copy of the immunization records submitted.

To submit immunization records, you can:
• Email a digital copy of the Immunization record to immunization@rcdhu.com
• Fax a copy of the immunization record to 613-735-3067, ATTN to: Clinical Services – Immunization Records
• Mail a copy of the immunization record to: Renfrew County and District Health Unit, 141 Lake St. Pembroke, ON. K8A 5L8
Please note that mailing can take more time and delay the reviewing and updating of the file in the provincial database system.

RCDHU: Immunization Clinics
Ministry of Health Ontario: About Measles
Government of Canada: Measles: Symptoms and treatment
Canadian Pediatric Society: Measles