Mommy Connections Measles Policy

05/01/2014

In light of so many questions from Moms who attend our classes regarding our measles policy, we  have decided to create a formal policy.  As a company, we are STRONGLY suggesting that all Moms who attend our classes ensure they review their Provinces policy depending on the level of outbreak severity in their area.  

The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a warning that there has been a higher than usual number of cases of measles in Canada.  Cases have been reporting in 5 Canadian Provinces including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) states that the  Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. The disease spreads very easily, so it is important to protect against infection. To prevent measles, children (and some adults) should be vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of this vaccine are needed for complete protection. Children should be given the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose can be given 4 weeks later, but is usually given before the start of kindergarten at 4 to 6 years of age.

Many cities are now offering infants aged six months to less than 12 months living in or travelling to the outbreak zones are now eligible for an early additional dose of measles vaccine for short-term added protection against the disease.  Contact your local health link or health care provider for vaccination dates and locations and for more information on this infection.

What are Measles? a highly infectious disease characterized by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the face

How to Avoid Getting the Measles?

The best protection against measles is vaccination with two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds Canadians, especially travellers, to make sure their measles vaccinations are up to date. The first dosage of measles-containing vaccine is typically administered at 12 months of age. Measles vaccine can be given to children as early as six months of age if they are travelling to countries where measles is widely circulating or live in a community where many measles cases are occurring. If a measles vaccine is given to a child less than 12 months old, another dose should be given soon after their first birthday. For children between the ages of 6 months and 12 months who have had direct exposure to a measles case, the preventative use of immunoglobulin within six days is recommended.

If you have recently travelled and you develop symptoms similar to measles when you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider. Describe your symptoms over the phone before your appointment, so that they can arrange to see you without exposing others to measles.

Symptoms include the following:

• fever
• runny nose
• drowsiness
• irritability
• red eyes/sensitivity to light
• small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat
• red blotchy rash that starts on the face three to seven days after the start of the symptoms and then progresses down the body.

There is no specific treatment for measles. Symptoms are usually treated with medication to reduce fever and fluids.