Measles and You

The number of confirmed cases of measles continues to grow in Alberta, with Alberta Health Services issuing health advisories and exposure location and dates on their website and social media.

What is measles?

Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread through the air. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads throughout the body. Symptoms usually start eight to12 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days to appear. Most people are infectious for three to four days before and after the rash develops.

Measles can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, or inflammation of the brain. Complications are more common in children under five, people who are pregnant, and those who are immunocompromised.

Where can I get vaccinated or find out how many doses of measles-containing vaccine I already have?

In Alberta, the measles vaccine is offered free of charge to eligible individuals. If you are unsure about your vaccination status or how many doses of measles-containing vaccine you have received, contact your local community health centre or call Health Link at 811. Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record account immunization record.

To get vaccinated, talk to your pharmacist to ask if they offer this service. You can also make an appointment to get immunized at your local community health centre or your doctor’s office.

Am I at risk for measles?

If you have never had lab-confirmed measles and were born in or after 1970 and have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine at or after one year of age, you are at risk of a measles infection.

If I was born before 1970, I am immune to measles?

Individuals born in 1969 or earlier are considered immune to measles, as they likely would have been exposed to the measles virus that circulated widely before 1970.

However, you may need extra protection if you are at higher risk of contact because of an outbreak in your area, you plan to travel outside of Canada or to areas within Canada where measles is spreading, or you work with children who may not be vaccinated.

Can someone get measles more than once?

Generally, if you have had measles, you are protected against measles for life.

Can antibiotics cure measles?

No. Measles is a virus, and antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections.

I’m pregnant. Is my unborn baby at risk?

Yes, your unborn baby could be at risk if you are not immune to measles. Measles infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

If you are immune to measles, you will pass measles antibodies to your unborn child during the third trimester of your pregnancy. These antibodies will provide some protection against measles to your infant, but it wanes over time. Your infant will need to receive their own measles-containing vaccine to obtain immunity to measles.

If you are not immune to measles, you should receive a measles-containing vaccine as soon as possible after your baby is born. You cannot get vaccinated while you are pregnant.

Additional Information

• Measles Disease Q&A: Alberta Health Services Q&As, including if your child is late in receiving their measles vaccine and what happens if there is an outbreak at their school/day care facility.
• Measles Exposures in Alberta: Locations and dates, including the latest health advisories from Alberta Health Services.
• Measles: Understanding the Most Contagious Preventable Disease (video): How measles enters and affects the body, risk and complications, to how vaccination protects against infection.

The information provided in this article is for personal use, reference, and education only. ASEBP does not provide medical advice. Before starting any medication or product, you should always consult with your pharmacist, health care provider, or call Alberta Health Link at 811.