Measles Resources for Health Care Providers

Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Measles

Isolate suspected or confirmed cases of measles immediately into a single room with closed door. Refer to WECHU’s Clinical Office Checklist for Measles to prepare the clinical office for a patient with suspected measles.

HCPs are required to report suspected cases to the WECHU immediately and complete the Measles Investigation and Reporting form  the SAME day as the initial patient visit. 

If a patient’s immunization records are unavailable, immunization with measles-containing vaccine is preferable to ordering serological testing to determine immune status.

For support/consultation or report diseases:

• Phone: 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 or fax: 226-783-2132 (Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
• For after hours, weekends, and holidays, phone: 519-973-4510 or fax 226-783-2113.

Also, be sure to check out the updates and alerts website section for more recent HCP updates.

Requirements for anyone who has been notified by Public Health that they have been exposed to the measles virus

• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure – even if they are up to date with their measles vaccinations. Measles symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:
  • High fever of 38.8 C (101 F) or greater
  • Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
• Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up-to-date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• If you were born after 1970 and have not received two doses of measles containing vaccines (MMR or MMRV) you must avoid contact with infants under one year of age, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people and any high-risk settings including healthcare, childcare and school settings.
• For any measles exposure that occurs in a school or childcare setting, Windsor Essex County Health Unit will exclude students and childcare attendees identified as exposed to the measles virus who do not have up to date records with Public Health. Those students or childcare attendees with no doses of a measles vaccine will be excluded from school or childcare for 21 days following the exposure.
• Identified contacts of measles virus who are students or childcare attendees with one dose of measles vaccine will be excluded until they receive a second dose of a measles vaccine. They should contact their healthcare provider about receiving a second dose, and notify the clinic in advance that they have been identified as a contact of measles.

Downloadable Forms