What You Need to Know About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is rare in Ontario, but in recent years, there has been a rise in measles infections in under-vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Measles can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Common complications include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rare but serious problems include brain inflammation, brain injury, deafness, long-term neurological conditions, and death.

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes;
• Small white spots that may appear inside the mouth early on;
• A red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body; the rash can develop 3-7 days later and can last 4-7 days.

Prevention

Measles is highly contagious. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. Ontario recommends two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine for children and most adults born after 1970. Make sure you are vaccinated before you travel outside Canada.

The MMR vaccine is part of Ontario’s routine vaccination schedule that most people receive in school. If you are unsure if you are immune to measles, and you are not experiencing symptoms, call or drop by the Student Wellness Centre and ask to speak with the nurse. Faculty and staff should contact their family practitioner.

Treatment

There are no specific antiviral mediations to treat measles.  Take care of yourself by focusing on rest, hydration, and treating symptoms like fever.  Severe cases of measles may require hospitalization.  Call ahead, if you think you need urgent health care.

What to Do If You Suspect Measles 

• Stay home and isolate because measles is very contagious;
• If you live on campus, please notify Department of Residence staff for support and direction;
• Contact Student Wellness Centre, your healthcare provider, or your local public health unit:
  • Waterloo: Waterloo Region Public Health
  • Brantford: Grand Erie Public Health
  • Milton: Halton Region Public Health
• Make sure you call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility to avoid spreading the virus;
• If you can’t participate in class work or tests because you are ill, complete the Illness Self-Declaration Form.  Your instructors will be automatically notified that you are not able to attend in-person activities;
• If you cannot attend an exam, submit a petition for a deferred exam;
• If you require elevated or coordinated support related to illness, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office:
  • Brantford: deanofstudentsbr@wlu.ca
  • Waterloo: deanofstudentswl@wlu.ca
  • Milton: deanofstudentsml@wlu.ca
• Staff and faculty can reach out to Human Resources: employeewellness@wlu.ca

For more information, visit Public Health Ontario.