Measles Prevention

If you are concerned your child has measles or has been exposed to measles, it's not considered an emergency. Contact your family doctor or local public health unit.

• Do not visit our Emergency Department unless your child is sick and in need of emergent (immediate) care.
• If you have an appointment at SickKids, call the clinic you’re visiting before coming to the hospital to let them know.

To protect our patients, families, and staff from measles, we are screening for possible infections and exposures. If you come to the hospital, let staff know your child has measles or has been exposed to measles.

What is measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus. Any shared airspace for any period of time is considered to be significant exposure for those who are not immune. Signs and symptoms of measles include:

• Fever that lasts for a couple days
• A rash with flat red patches and raised bumps starting on the face and spreading to the body
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Measles infection can be associated with very severe complications including hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, death and complications during pregnancy.