Information about Measles

If you suspect you have measles, make sure to call ahead before going to your doctor's office or emergency department. This will allow health care staff to take the appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of measles.

Measles is a disease that is caused by a virus. It is very contagious. Over 90 per cent of people who are not immune to measles will become infected after being exposed to someone with measles.

People who are not up-to-date with their measles vaccination are at highest risk of infection. Make sure you and your children are up-to-date. Learn about vaccination for measles.

Contact

For assistance or questions about measles, call Public Health at 905-688-8248 ext. 7330.

Measles exposures in Niagara

Cases of measles have been identified in Niagara

The following chart lists potential exposure locations within the community. Individuals who believe they have been exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days.

Exposure locations will be added and removed on an ongoing basis as case details evolve.

Exposure information
Date Location Time Monitor symptoms until
Sunday, March 2 MedCare Clinic @
Scott Street Medical Centre
387 Scott St., Unit A2C
St. Catharines

4:20 - 6:20 p.m.

 Monday, March 24

Last update: March 5, 2025

Symptoms and how it spreads

  • Symptoms

    Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to the measles virus. Symptoms of measles include:

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Runny nose
    • Red / watery eyes
    • Small white spots on the inside of the mouth / throat (known as Koplik spots). These spots are not always present.
    • Blotchy red rash. In darker skin colours, the redness may be harder to see, or it may appear purple or darker than surrounding skin. This rash appears about three to seven days after the other symptoms develop.
  • If you develop symptoms

    It is important to monitor for these symptoms in yourself and children, especially after returning home from travelling outside of Canada. If you develop symptoms:

    • Stay home and avoid contact with others, especially with those who are most at risk
    • Do not go to work, school or child care for at least four days after your rash starts. The onset of a rash is day zero. This is because you could spread measles to others.
    • Contact your health care provider. Make sure to call ahead before going to a clinic. This is so the health care staff can take appropriate precautions to prepare for your visit. This may include seeing you when there are less patients in the office and providing a mask for you to wear when you arrive.
  • How measles spreads

    Measles spreads very easily. People who have measles can spread it from four days before a rash appears to four days after they get a rash. People can get sick with measles by:

    • Breathing the air in a location where someone with measles has recently been, even up to two hours after that person has left the room
    • Coming into contact with an infected person's cough or sneeze
    • Touching an infected surface, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. The measles virus can live on infected surfaces for at least two hours.
  • Who is most at risk

    Some people are at higher risk of developing severe disease. These include:

    • Infants under 12 months of age
    • Immunocompromised individuals
    • Pregnant individuals. People who get measles while pregnant may suffer from a miscarriage, go into premature labour or give birth to an infant with low birth weight.
    • Anyone who has not had their age appropriate vaccines

Resources

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