Measles is Back
Unfortunately, we’ve seen a significant uptick in measles cases around the world, mostly due to a decrease in vaccination rates, and now we are seeing that same fate here in Canada.
Contrary to many false narratives out there, measles is a serious disease with devastating consequences and even death. Simply put, this is something that we need to take seriously.
What is Measles?
Measles is a virus that is one of a highly contagious virus. One of the main reasons for this is its spread by airborne transmission. This means that when someone sick with measles breathes out, they breathe virus into the air that can then infect someone around them when they breath that virus in. The most notable part about this is that the measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after the infected person has left that space.
Measles is one of the most contagious pathogens that exists! If someone who isn’t vaccinated (or under-vaccinated) is exposed to the virus, they have a 90% chance of becoming infected with measles.
What are the symptoms?
Typically, the symptoms start with “cold” symptoms, including a fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes, and nasal congestion. About 1 week later, a blotchy, red rash starts to appear. This rash classically starts on the head, then moves down the body.
How is Measles prevented?
Measles is almost entirely preventable by vaccination. A person who receives 2 doses of their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine has nearly 100% immunity for life. Depending on where you live, the first dose of the MMR vaccine occurs at age 1, and the second dose anywhere between 18 months and 4 years. This is where it becomes worrisome, because infants under the age of 1 are unprotected from measles as they are typically not eligible for vaccination. There are circumstances in which babies can get an early dose of MMR (usually for travel and outbreaks) as young as 6 months old. The best thing to do is to talk to your local public health office about this.
Why is Measles such a big deal?
Measles can actually lead to complications in up to 30% of people who contract it, and can have a mortality of up to 10%. It is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world in the pediatric population.
The two most serious complications of measles are in the lungs (severe pneumonia) and the brain (severe inflammation called encephalitis). Measles also weakens the immune system and can lead to serious bacterial illnesses like sepsis.
There are several groups who are at higher risk of complications from measles:
pregnant patients
young babies
elderly patients
anyone who is immunocompromised
What can I do?
The most important thing is to make sure your entire family is fully vaccinated for measles (and all other vaccine-preventable illnesses). Canadians born after 1983 would have been vaccinated for measles with their routine vaccinations. Anyone born before this time may have only had 1 MMR dose, so it’s important to check with your public health office or family doctor to find out if you need another dose.
I had measles as a young child, maybe in 1969? Am I still immune?