With increased global measles activity and three recent travel-related cases of measles in Toronto, Peel Region, and Brant County, Region of Waterloo Public Health is recommending that anyone planning to travel over March Break should ensure that they are protected against measles.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus easily spread through the air, from person to person, through breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications from measles. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection.
All Ontarians are eligible for two publicly funded doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is one of the required vaccinations under the Immunization of School Pupils Act in Ontario.
“Vaccination is your best protection against the measles,” said the region's medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, in a press release.
“The resurgence of measles worldwide is very concerning. We are enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act this year for this very reason. Check your vaccination records and get vaccinated if you are missing a measles vaccine.”
Measles is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.
The last confirmed case of measles in Waterloo Region was in 2019 and was travel-related.
Symptoms:
- Measles begins with flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and red, watery eyes that are sensitive to light.
- Small white spots sometimes appear in the mouth and back of the throat.
- Three to seven days later, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash lasts four to seven days.
Prevention:
Vaccination against measles is almost 100% effective in preventing the illness in people who are fully immunized.
Current Ontario recommendations are that children receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine:
- First dose on/after their first birthday.
- Second dose at 4–6 years old.
- For some infants 6–12 months of age, administration of one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can provide protection if there is a risk of exposure.
Check your vaccination records online:
- Visit Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON)
- You will need your child’s Ontario Health Card (OHIP) number.
- Due to privacy law, parents/guardians cannot access records for a child who is 16 years of age or older.
Get an MMR vaccine:
- Contact your primary health care provider.
- Visit a walk-in clinic or a travel health clinic.
If you think you have contracted measles after travel abroad:
- Stay at home to avoid getting others sick.
- Wear a well-fitting medical mask.
- Seek medical attention; call ahead before visiting a clinic.
Questions?
- Visit Region of Waterloo Public Health at regionofwaterloo.ca/measles.
- Ask your health care provide.
- Call Region of Waterloo Public Health Infectious Diseases Information Line at 519-575-4400, TTY call 519-575-4608. Interpreters are available in over 150 languages.