Measles (Rubeola)

Report to health unit immediately. (tel: 705-267-1181 or fax: 705-360-7324)

Incubation period:

7-21 days

Signs and symptoms:

Fever, watery eyes, runny nose and cough prior to a red blotchy rash appearing on the 3rd to 7th day. Rash usually begins on the face, spreads down to the trunk and out the extremities and lasts 4-7 days. 

How it is spread:

Virus in respiratory secretions. Spread person to person through air. Very infectious. Can stay in the air 2 hours after the person leaves the room.

Contagious period:

4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the onset of rash. 

Exclusion guidelines:

Exclude until 4 days after the appearance of the rash. 

What can be done:

Clean and disinfect soiled articles and surfaces.

Thorough and frequent hand washing by staff and children.

Health Unit staff will determine which students are at risk for measles and exclude them from school until the risk period is over.

Unimmunized children may need measles vaccine or immune globulin.