Pathogens
Measles virus

Measles virus

Precautions

Airborne Precautions (N95)

General Information

Measles is a highly infectious virus.

The vaccine has a >95% efficacy and persons 6 years of age should have received 2 doses. Persons born in or after 1970 may receive only one dose.

Diagnostic laboratory testing includes both measles virus detection by PCR (nasopharyngeal/throat swab and urine) and diagnostic serology.

Public Health tools for diagnosis and reporting: Requirement for submission of specimens to PHO are available here.

Outbreaks of measles occur sporadically in areas where measles vaccine coverage for the population is <95%.

Public Health tools for diagnosis and reporting: Requirement for submission of specimens to PHO are available here.

Incubation period 7-21 days.

Travel history should be obtained as outbreaks occur sporadically due to suboptimal vaccine coverage (<95%) in some areas of the world and in Canada.

Clinical features include fever of > 38.3, irritability/ill appearing, conjunctivitis, coryza, cough and a macular papular rash that starts on the face and then extends caudally and towards the extremities. Koplick spots on the inside lateral aspects of the mouth can be pathognomonic but may not be present. Acute encephalitis may occur in 1/1000 children. Patients with incomplete immunity may have atypical symptoms.

Photos of measles infection are available here