It contains messages from the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux addressed to parents of students and school staff members.
Cases of measles have been confirmed in various regions in Québec. Measles outbreaks have also been reported in many countries, which leads us to believe that, for the next few months, Québec is at risk of seeing an increase in the number of cases.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself. Two (2) doses of the vaccine provide over 95% protection.
If you are a parent, check your child’s Vaccination Record booklet to see if they are protected. The vaccines may have different brand names. People who were born after 1970 and who have never had a vaccination against measles should get themselves vaccinated.
In Québec, a person is protected if:
Examples of names of measles vaccines
• Priorix • Priorix-Tetra • MMR II • ProQuad • Attenuvax • Moru-Viraten • Rimevax • RRO • Trivirix • Measles vaccine
It is strongly recommended that people who are not protected get themselves vaccinated as quickly as possible. If there is an outbreak in a school, all children and adults who are not protected will be sent home and will have to isolate there. They may return to school after presenting a valid proof of vaccination or after 14 days since the identification of the case. This isolation period may be extended by additional periods of 14 days if another case is detected.
The virus spreads when a person breathes the same air as someone who is infected, even at a distance of more than 2 metres (6 feet). The virus can stay suspended in the air for a few hours and even disperse through the air. Measles can also spread through direct contact by touching an infected person or contaminated objects.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. If a person who is not protected comes into contact with someone who is infected, there is a 9 out of 10 chance that they will catch the disease.
Measles can cause ear infections and persistent diarrhea, especially in infants, and also rare but serious complications. Children who get measles risk developing a lung infection (pneumonia), hearing and/or vision loss, a brain infection (around 1 case out of 1000 to 2000) or even death. About 1 out of 10 people must be treated in hospital.
Anyone who is infected can develop complications, especially:
A person who has measles is considered contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. The illness lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
If your child or another family member has symptoms of measles, keep them at home and call Info-Santé (811). If you have to go to a clinic or hospital, call before you go to let them know that the person might have measles. Wearing a mask is recommended.