Measles

Released: April 25, 2008

• About Measles
• Transmission
• Recommendations for Travellers
• As a reminder
• Additional information

 

In light of recent measles outbreaks occurring in various countries around the world, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers to get vaccinated to protect themselves against measles.  The best way to avoid getting measles is vaccination.

Travellers should be aware that there are currently reports of increased measles activity in the following European countries: Switzerland, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Spain and Norway. 

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease and is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and rash. Complications include diarrhea, ear infection, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death.  

In Canada, children routinely get two doses of the vaccine MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) to prevent infection.  The two-dose vaccine schedule was introduced in the late 1990s (1996-97).  Adults born in or after 1970 should ensure that they have received two doses of measles vaccine when traveling to countries where measles occurs.

Additional information can be found at PHAC's information sheet on measles. 

Transmission

Measles can be spread by nose and throat discharges that become airborne through sneezing or coughing, or by close personal contact with that nose or throat discharges of an infected person.

Recommendations for Travellers

Get vaccinated – it is the single most important measure for preventing measles.

Canadians are routinely vaccinated against measles as young children. See provincial/territorial immunization schedules for further information.

It is assumed that most adults born prior to 1970 have developed immunity from natural infection.  Adults born in or after 1970 should ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine prior to traveling to countries where measles occurs.  Many people born outside of Canada may not have been adequately vaccinated.

• Infants and Children:  Two doses of vaccine (as combined vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella [MMR]) are recommended.  The first dose should be given on or after the first birthday.  The second dose should be given after 15 months of age.  Unvaccinated children over 15 months of age should get 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. In outbreak situations, the vaccine might be recommended for infants less than one year of age.  However, the routine series of two doses must then be restarted on or after the infant's first birthday.  

• Adults:  As the two-dose vaccine program was introduced in the late 1990's, adults born in or after 1970 should ensure that they have received the two doses prior to traveling to countries where measles occurs.  
• Alternatively to vaccination:  People can consider themselves protected against measles if:
  • they were born before 1970; or
  • they have proof of immunity (e.g. through blood testing).
    

As a reminder…

PHAC strongly recommends that you consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination.  Meeting with a health care provider will help you understand your individual health needs and safety risks. The health care provider can suggest steps to take to prevent illness and injury while traveling and recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventative medications.

Travellers who get sick while traveling or become sick after returning to Canada should inform their health care provider.  Without being asked, travelers should tell their health care provider where they have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care they received while traveling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).

• Know before you go!
  General travel health advice

• Food and Water Precautions
  PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to disease.

Additional information:

• Measles information for travelers

• Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada
  If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, you may require immunizations, depending on your travel destination, the length of your stay and whether or not your routine immunizations are up-to-date.

• Canadian Immunization Guide – Seventh Edition (2006)
  In this Guide, information is presented on the immunizing agents available in Canada and their use in the prevention of communicable diseases.