June 24, 2025

MEASLES UPDATE

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through coughing, sneezing and talking. Cases are on the rise in Ontario, with over 2000 cases reported since the beginning of the outbreak as per Ontario Public Health. Most of these cases are in Southwestern Ontario.

The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario has issued this warning. In an effort to screen for possible cases, please advise ouroffice if you have fever (above 38.3 degrees Celsisus), cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis. In addition, our office will screen for oral signs of measles, including Koplik spots (tiny blue-white spots on the buccal mucosa) and red, non-itchy rash which starts on the face and spreads downward.

Fig 1. Measles is associated with a facial rash that starts 3-5 days after the onset of initial symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose). The rash consists of large, flat red patches intermingled with numerous small raised bumps. The rash gradually spreads downwards towards the chest and eventually the arms and legs and can take up to two weeks to resolve.