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Aug 07, 2025
With more than 4,300 measles cases reported across the country (including more than 50 in Nova Scotia) by early August, the disease is now a growing concern for Canadians. Read on to learn about measles symptoms and complications, how to stay healthy, what to do if you think you’re sick, and more.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly transmissible, airborne virus that initially causes symptoms similar to the common cold, then progresses to a rash. Measles can cause severe complications and is vaccine preventable. (Download this printable fact sheet.)
Symptoms
Measles symptoms appear seven to 21 after being infected with the virus. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. The characteristic red rash appears three to seven days after symptoms begin. Look for red spots and blotches on the face, spreading down the trunk, arms and legs. The rash lasts up to a week, with most people recovering from measles in two to three weeks.
Be vigilant. In an interview with CBC, Dr. Cristin Muecke, regional medical officer of health in Nova Scotia’s Northern Zone, said some people may not realize they have measles at first, because the symptoms are so similar to other illnesses. “The natural history of a measles infection is that the first couple of days, it looks and feels essentially like a common cold. The characteristic rash typically only appears on day three to four.”
Complications
Most people recover from measles in under a month, but some people experience complications, including ear infection, pneumonia and diarrhea. Severe complications may also result, including respiratory failure or inflammation and swelling of the brain, also known as encephalitis. Either of these may lead to death; encephalitis may also cause blindness, deafness or brain injury. Women who get measles while pregnant may have a miscarriage, go into premature labour or have a baby with low birth weight.
Measles can also damage your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections you’ve had before, like the flu, a cold or even diseases you’ve been vaccinated against. That’s because the measles virus destroys the memory cells of the immune system and the damage can last for years. This only happens after a measles infection – it’s not caused by the measles vaccine. That’s why getting measles is not a better way to strengthen your immune system than getting the vaccine.
If you get ill
If you develop measles symptoms, isolate at home and call your family doctor or primary care provider. They will advise you on next steps that are appropriate for your specific circumstances.
If you must go to a healthcare facility (such as a doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or emergency department) call ahead to tell staff that you might have measles. This enables staff to take the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a mask to your appointment to help prevent transmitting the virus.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of measles helps prevent the spread and means your healthcare provider can ensure you’re getting the appropriate care.
Your physician may ask:
A lab test is the only way to confirm measles. Your healthcare provider will probably collect at least one sample for testing:
Prevention
The best way to prevent measles is through routine vaccination; this begins at 12 months of age. The best protection comes from two doses of measles-containing vaccine.
Don’t know your measles vaccination status? You can check your vaccination records online. If you or your child have missed a vaccine dose, it’s never too late to catch up. In fact, adults born between 1970 and 1995 were offered only one dose of measles vaccine as children, which means another dose is recommended.
Getting immunized is easy! Contact your family physician or primary care provider to make an appointment, or look for a Nova Scotia Public Health immunization clinic near you. Measles vaccinations are safe, effective and free.
(Hate getting needles? You’re not alone. Consult this post for more information on making immunizations easier on kids – or anyone who isn’t keen on needles.)
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