Measles

What is it ?

Measles is a viral infection characterised by a form of rash. The virus usually attacks children age 5 months and older. Once contracted, it normally creates immunity in the body.

Disease transmission

The measles virus is spread by direct or indirect contact with those infected, through coughing or nose and throat secretions. Risk of contagion, however, becomes practically nonexistent 48 hours after the rash appears.

Geographic risk zone

Shortages of measles vaccine or a decline in systematic vaccination of children around the world is leading to a substantial increase in the numbers of observed cases. According to the Weekly Epidemiological Record (February 15, 2002), 817,161 cases of measles were reported worldwide in 2000.

Symptoms description

“Invasive” phase

High fever
Runny nose
Coughing
Tearing (lacrimation)
Gastrointestinal symptoms

“Eruptive” phase

Red patches, slightly raised, appear on the skin. These patches are small at first, but grow to cover larger areas.
Itching
High fever, gradually becoming lower

Health impact

Too many Canadians think that measles is relatively harmless. In fact, it is a serious disease, frequently resulting in complications that can attack the nervous, respiratory and digestive systems, as well as the eyes. In extreme cases these complications can be fatal.

Risks

In one out of every 1,000 measles patients, the disease transforms into encephalitis.
10% of these cases result in the death of the patient.
345,000 people worldwide died in 2005 after contracting measles.

Prevention

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 90% effective against these diseases. This vaccine is part of Quebec’s province-wide basic immunization program, and is available free of charge at the Clinique Santé-voyage de la Fondation du CHUM. Visitors are required to pay an administrative fee ($ 5.00).

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so that you can protect yourself effectively against these diseases.

Vaccination : measles

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Nota Bene

The measles virus “incubates” in the body for about 10 days before the first symptoms appear.
The first phase of the disease lasts about 4 days. At this stage, the patient is already contagious.
When measles enters its second phase, a skin rash appears, first on the face and neck, then spreading to the lower areas of the body. This phase lasts about 5 days.
Before an effective vaccine was developed, measles was the leading cause of death due to infection worldwide. Vaccination has very largely reduced the number of cases reported each year. However, making people more aware of the need for an effective vaccination plan remains a crucial issue if this disease is to be prevented from regaining ground.