Q and A with the Experts: Measles

Measles — or Rubeola — was eliminated in Canada in 1998, but it’s back with more than 220 cases in the country so far this year. Symptoms are fever, cough, red and watery eyes and a rash that spreads from the face to the trunk and then limbs. 

Dr. Zahid Butt, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, discusses the risks and protections.  

How bad is measles?  

If you’re not vaccinated and you get measles, the possible complications are serious. You might develop pneumonia, brain inflammation, deafness, or blindness, and complications could lead to death in some cases. Measles is airborne and highly contagious. A child with measles can infect another 12 to 18 susceptible or unvaccinated people. In comparison, the reproduction number or R0 for COVID-19 is around 3. 

Who is most at risk from measles? 

Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, children under five, adults over 20, pregnant individuals and immunocompromised individuals are at most risk of infection. Individuals who recover from measles have permanent immunity to the disease, and it is always better to get vaccinated than get the disease. 

Who should get vaccinated?  

High vaccination coverage — more than 95 per cent — is necessary to stop the transmission of measles in a population. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella. They should get one at 12 months and the second at 18 months of age. Adults born before 1970 should have one dose of MMR vaccine.