Communicable Diseases and Epidemiology
Measles (Rubeola) in children
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is also known as '10- day', 'hard' or 'red' measles. Do not confuse this illness with rubella. Rubella is sometimes called 'German' or '3-day' measles.
- Rash
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (lasts about a week)
What are the potential complications?
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Can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death.
How is measles transmitted?
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Droplet or airborne spread of the virus from the nose and mouth of a person who is infected.
Measles vaccine (in the form of MMR, MR or measles only vaccines) can prevent this disease.
Which children need measles (Rubeola) vaccine?
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- Any child 12 months to 4 years of age who have not previously been immunized with a measles vaccination.
- Children 4-6 years of age and children who attend grades 6-12 should have 2 doses. Both doses must have been on or after the first birthday and at least 28 days apart.
When there is an outbreak of measles at a school or in a child care setting, Public Health may require measles vaccination or may prevent children who are not immunized from attending school or child care until the measles outbreak is over.
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Plain Talk About Child Immunizations
Facts about  childhood immunization; vaccine preventable disease, vaccine safety, the immune system and how vaccines work, legal requirements, and more.
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