Measles (red measles)

Measles is a severe illness caused by a virus, results in high fever, runny nose, cough, inflammation of the eyelid and a rash.

It damages many parts of the body (damage to the cells lining the nose and throat cause the runny nose and sore throat, for example).

Measles also weakens the immune system for months, leading frequently to ear infections and pneumonia. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) occurs in about 1 out of every 1000 cases, often resulting in brain damage.

In rare cases, measles can trigger the development of a fatal brain disease called SSPE that develops years after the attack of measles.

The measles virus is highly contagious. Outbreaks in North America occur periodically in under-immunized populations. It is important to have the full series of immunization in childhood.

For more information on measles please visit the links below:

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Public Health Agency of Canada

British Columbia Centre for Disease Control

Caring for Kids