Measles (German Measles, Rubella)

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What is it?

• This form of measles is caused by the Rubeola Virus.
• Your child is more likely to develop Rubeola if they have not been vaccinated or if they travel to other countries without being vaccinated.
• It occurs most often in the late winter and spring.

Signs and Symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever that lasts for a couple of days
• Cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes that follow the fever
• Small red spots with bluish-white centers inside mouth (Koplick spots)
• Rash that starts on the face and upper neck and spreads down the body before spreading to the arms, hands, legs and feet.
• In severe cases, measles can cause swelling of the brain. This can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or death.

How does is spread?

• Rubeola is mainly spread through the air. It can be caught just by being in a room with a person with measles or where someone with measles has been recently.
• The virus can survive in the air up to two hours.
• This virus is very contagious up to 4 days before the rash or signs of illness starts.
• Children with immune system problems often stay contagious much longer.

How to decrease the spread?

• Rubeola is included in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Ask your doctor if you or your children are not immune.

Recommended Absense:

Anyone in the infectious stage of Rubeola must stay away from day care, school and work for at least four days after the appearance of the rash.

Measles be reported to the Medical Officer of Health as required by the Health Promotion and Protection Act.

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