Here are some frequently asked questions about measles:
What causes measles?
- Measles disease is caused by a virus.
- This virus infects humans, causing measles disease in anyone who is not immunized or who has not previously had measles.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- Fever 38.3° C or higher
- Cough, runny nose or red eyes
- Red blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs.
Is measles contagious?
- Measles is extremely contagious.
- The potential spread of measles is a serious health concern.
Am I at risk for measles?
If you have not had lab-confirmed measles in the past, or have not received measles vaccine, you are at risk for illness. People born before 1970 are generally considered immune.
How does measles spread?
- As an airborne disease, measles is spread through the air.
- Measles can survive up to two hours in the air, even if the contagious person has left the space.
- Measles can also be spread through coughing and sneezing
You can find more Common Questions About Measles in Alberta here.