Measles

Measles cases are increasing globally, including in Ontario. Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) strongly encourages residents to make sure they have protection against the measles virus and receive a vaccination if necessary. 

Measles is one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and it can live for up to two hours in the air or on a surface.  

Many people recover from measles within two to three weeks, but measles can cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, or, rarely, death. 

Learn more at About Measles | Province of Ontario.

Current measles vaccine recommendations
Age rangeMMR Vaccine Recommendations
Infants and young children NOT travelling outside of Canada
  • Receive one dose of MMR vaccine on or after child's first birthday.
  • Receive MMRV as second dose at ages 4-6 years.
  • When possible, receive the MMRV second dose closer to age 4 than age 6.
Infants and young children travelling outside of Canada
  • MMR vaccine can be received early at 6 -11 months of age. Two additional doses of measles containing vaccine are still required after the first birthday.
  • Preschoolers: Consider receiving the second dose of MMR vaccine earlier than age 4-6 years.
  • Receive measles vaccine at least two weeks before travel.
Person born before 1970 in Canada
  • Generally considered to have natural immunity since measles circulated in Canada before 1970. Some of these individuals may be susceptible.
  • If person is unsure of status, receive one dose of MMR.
  • Anyone working in a healthcare setting must show proof of immunity from measles (record of two doses of MMR vaccine OR blood test showing immunity).
  • Post-secondary students and travellers should consider getting at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
Person born 1970 or later
  • If person is unsure of status, receive two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart.
  • If a person has only had one dose of MMR vaccine, give the second dose of MMR vaccine at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • If client had two-doses of MMR vaccine, consider fully immunized – no serology  required.
 All others
  • All Ontarians, regardless of age, are eligible for two publicly funded doses of measles-containing vaccine based on a health care provider’s clinical judgment and needs of the patient (eg. health care worker, post-secondary student, planning to travel where measles is circulating).
  • Note: Vaccination over serology is generally preferred.

If you need a vaccination or a vaccination for a child, please contact your family health care provider. If you do not have a family health care provider, call Huron Perth Public Health. More information on international travel and measles risk can be found at Canada’s  Global Measles Notice.   

How can I find my immunization record?

To check an immunization record from Perth or Huron County, please visit Immunization Records and Reporting. Please note that these records only show immunizations that have been reported to HPPH.  

If you are over the age of 18 looking for your immunization record, follow up with your healthcare provider.  

If you are not able to get access to your immunization record through ICON, send an email to measlesinfoline@hpph.ca.   
Please include your name, date of birth and phone number and an immunization staff will contact you. Please allow 3-5 business days to expect a response.

 Information for healthcare providers
Measles, even a suspect case, must be reported immediately to HPPH.  

To report a disease, call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3254, Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

If it is after hours, and the disease is one to be reported immediately, please call 1-800-431-2054. 

Please note as of March 15, 2024 All HCWs regardless of presumptive immunity to measles are to wear a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator when providing care to a patient with suspect or confirmed measles. 

Resources:

Interim IPAC Recommendations and Use of PPE for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed Measles |Public Health Ontario (March 2024)

Measles Information for Health Care Providers | Public Health Ontario (March 2024). 
 Information for schools and daycares

Measles is a reportable disease. Any suspected or confirmed cases of measles must be immediately reported to the Medical Officer of Health. 

To Report Suspect Cases: 

Monday – Friday (8:30 am – 4:30 pm): 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3280 
Evenings, Weekends and Holidays: 1-800-431-2054 

Please have the following information ready when you call: 

  • Name of child and parent/guardian 

  • Date of birth 

  • Address 

  • Telephone number 

  • Physician’s name and telephone number 

  • Name of hospital (if child is admitted) 

  • Immunization information 

See our Childcare Guide to Communicable Disease for more information. 

Measles Information Line

If you would like to speak to a Public Health Professional about a measles related matter, call 1-888-221-2133 ext.4 and follow the prompts for the Measles Information Line. Calls are answered and monitored daily, Monday to Friday.

If no one is available to take your call, you have the option to leave a message and have your call returned within 3 business days.

You may also send an email to measlesinfoline@hpph.ca and receive a response within 3 business days.