Occupational Health & Safety

Measles (Rubeola)

Humans are the reservoir for measles (PDF). Nonhuman primates become infected through contact with infected humans. Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases and will spread rapidly.

Measles is a highly contagious disease transmitted via aerosols, nasal or throat secretions, or fomites. The clinical signs of measles are similar in nonhuman primates and humans. Fever develops after an incubation period of approximately 10 days, and is followed by conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, and Koplick's (bright red spots with blue-white centres) spots inside the mouth. Later, a characteristic rash begins on the face and spreads over the body. Secondary bacterial infection can cause pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, or encephalitis.

Since sporadic outbreaks of measles continue to occur in the United States, the potential for animal infection by infected people remains a threat. Prevention of the disease in laboratory animal facilities is best achieved by ensuring vaccination of all nonhuman primate handlers against measles.

Personnel should rely on the use of protective clothing, personal hygiene, and sanitation measures to prevent the transmission of the disease.