Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever (over 38.5°C
• Cough and runny nose
• Red, watery, or sore eyes
• Drowsiness and irritability
• Tiny white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots – a unique measles sign)
• Red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the body

Unlike heat rash, poison ivy, or swimmer’s itch, the measles rash:

• Appears after flu-like symptoms
• Starts on the face, then spreads
• Looks like flat red spots that may merge together
• Is less itchy than other rashes

Measles Rash vs. Common Summer Rashes:

While most people recover without complications, measles can be severe for:

• Infants and young children
• Pregnant individuals
• People with weakened immune systems

Dr. Natalie Bocking explains...

✅ Do NOT go to a hospital or clinic without calling first.
✅ Stay home, isolate, and avoid contact with others.

Call your health care provider or the HKPR Health Unit:
1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050

What To Do Next:

1. Notify the HKPR District Health Unit
   Call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or email: info@hkpr.on.ca.

2. Check your vaccination records
   Make sure you and your household have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. Those born before 1970 may have had only one dose.

3. Assess your risk
   If you were at an exposure location during the listed times and are immunocompromised, unvaccinated (including children under 1 year), or pregnant, contact the Health Unit about post-exposure care.

4. Watch for symptoms
   Stay home if you feel unwell. Don’t go to work or school. Call your health care provider and let them know you may have measles.

   If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Immunization remains the best protection against measles, and Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule includes two doses of the highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines for children before the age of seven years. 

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection. It has been safely used in Canada for over 50 years.

Check Your Immunization Records

Ontario’s Routine MMR Vaccine Schedule:

If you have any questions about whether you are protected from measles, please contact your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, please call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050 you can book an immunization online.

Immunization records show which vaccines you’ve received. If you don’t have a record of your measles vaccine, you're considered unimmunized and unprotected. Assuming you were vaccinated in the past is not a safe way to protect yourself from measles.

What to Do:

• If your immunization record is missing and can't be confirmed by your doctor or local health unit, it's recommended you receive a dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

• People without written proof of MMR vaccination may not have actually received it.

• It is safe to get the MMR vaccine even if you previously received one or more undocumented doses.

• Blood tests to check for measles immunity are not always accurate and are not routinely recommended.

Some people, such as those who are pregnant or have certain health conditions, may not be able to get the MMR vaccine. A health care provider can help determine what is best for your situation.

Please note: In Canada, there is no measles-only vaccine. The vaccine given is a combination that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

There is a risk of measles exposure in our community. The HKPR District Health Unit recommends that people stay up to date with their measles vaccinations.

Who should get the MMR vaccine:

• Infants 6–11 months who may be at risk

• Children who missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine

• Adults 18 and older who had only one dose of MMR, especially if they:

  • Work in health care

  • Attend college or university

  • May be at increased risk, based on their doctor’s advice

No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the travel health notices page for your destination to ensure you can be prepared and protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

You can view current measles exposure areas by health unit by visiting Public Health Ontario’s Exposure Sites page.

Measles | Caring for kids (cps.ca)

Measles: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca

Defending Ontario Against Measles 

Measles Exposures in Ontario | Public Health Ontario

Measles Vaccine: Protect your children, protect yourself, 
protect your community.

If you are a Health Care Provider, please visit our Health Care Provider Resources webpage for guidance documents.