Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Measles - Red (Rubeola)
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by a virus.
- Begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes often sensitive to light.
- Followed in 3 to 7 days by a red blotchy rash usually beginning on the face and lasting 4 to 7 days. There may also be white spots in the mouth (koplik spots).
- Spread is airborne through droplets from nose and throat.
- Contagious about 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the onset of rash.
- Symptoms usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Instructions for Schools
- Report immediately to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
- Child can attend school on the 5th day after the rash appears and if well enough to participate.
Persons with incomplete measles immunization or with exemptions to measles vaccine will be excluded from school if a case of measles is identified in the school. - Encourage thorough hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
- Remember to protect the confidentiality of the student by not disclosing a diagnosis to concerned parents and/or colleagues. If contact follow up of those exposed is required Peel Public Health will contact those who are at risk.
Notes
- Vaccinations are given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Measles vaccine is given in combination with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) or mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (MMRV).
- Since 1996, 2 doses of measles vaccine are required by law for all children attending school in Ontario.
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