Measles
Information importante
À Montréal, nous menons actuellement une campagne de rattrapage en milieu scolaire Opération rougeole 2011-2012 - Arrêtons la transmission! Voici les dates importantes:
- Semaine du 21 novembre 2011 : envoi d’une lettre aux parents sur la campagne et l’importance de la vaccination
- À partir du 1er décembre 2011 : distribution du dépliant sur la rougeole, recueil des preuves de vaccination et du formulaire du consentement, vérification des carnets de vaccination et organisation des séances de vaccination en milieu scolaire
- 15 février 2012 : fin de la vaccination au secondaire
- 31 mars 2012 : fin de la vaccination au primaire
Afin de limiter la transmission du virus, différentes mesures seront mises en place dont une politique de retrait en milieu scolaire. En cas d'éclosion dans une école, une personne considérée comme non protégée sera retirée de l’école jusqu’à la fin de l’éclosion, soit pour une période de 14 jours après la présence du dernier cas contagieux ou jusqu’à ce que ces personnes soient vaccinées ou présentent leurs preuves de vaccination adéquate (ex. : carnet de vaccination).
Public service announcement
[Translate to English:] Message à la population
Definition
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air by droplets released when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Less commonly, the virus spreads through contact with articles freshly soiled with nasal and throat secretions.
The symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and red spots all over the body. Complications are more frequent in infants, adults, pregnant women and immune-compromised persons. The illness lasts 7 to 10 days.
Measles (rubeola) is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.
Are you a health professional?
If you are interested in learning more on this subject, read the Measles fact sheet on the website of the Director of public health for the Montréal region (website in french only).
Practical advice
What can you do to prevent or protect yourself?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles.
Read more:
- Leaflet "Measles Vaccination Campaign 2011-2012"
- MMR vaccination page on the website of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS).
If you have measles-like symptoms:
Given how contagious measles is, people with symptoms are advised to call a medical clinic or healthcare facility to report their symptoms before going there in person.
People who are sick must stay home from work, school or social activities as soon as the first symptoms appear, and up to 5 days after the skin has broken out into a rash. See the MSSS FAQ on measles for more information. (in french only)
If you work in a child care centre, see the following document:
Prevention et contrôle des infections dans le centre de garde à l'enfance: Guide d’intervention (in french only)
Whom should you contact to get help?
Info-santé at 811
Where can you find additional, credible information?
Public Health Agency of Canada
MSSS
Canadian Paediatric Society: Caring for Kids
Website of Sainte-Justine Hospital
