Despite an uptick in measles cases reported across the country, including Ontario, public health officials in Simcoe Muskoka report that there are no cases here, but they continue to monitor the situation.
“While there may be no cases locally, it is important for people to be aware that the virus could be circulating in places they may be travelling to over the school break that can put them at risk if they are not up to date with their measles immunization,” according to Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Colin Lee with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
“However, we have had some of [the] residents who have been notified in the past months that they were exposed to persons with measles. There have been 177 persons with measles reported in Ontario related to an ongoing measles outbreak that started late last year and is predominantly in Grand Erie and Southwestern public health units’ areas, mainly among unimmunized persons,” he added.
One of the world’s most contagious viruses
Public health says measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses. It most commonly spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to two hours after that person has left. The virus particles can float in the air for two hours before they drop to the ground. If one person has it, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. Just like other viruses, you can pick it up from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose or mouth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea or encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and occasionally death in the very young.
Are there special clinics in place?
Ontario children receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at the age of one year and then a second dose between the age of four and six years as part of the province’s routine immunization schedule. Many primary care providers offer the MMR and other routine vaccines in their offices. Parents of children who are unsure of whether their child has been immunized or their child has not yet received their immunizations should speak to their healthcare provider to ensure their children are up to date or make an appointment to get immunized. For those who don’t have a primary care provider, they can call the health unit to book an appointment.
Immunization is recommended for:
- Infants are at greatest risk since routine vaccination for measles do not begin until one year of age. Infants going to areas where there is measles can get the vaccine at 6 months of age before travel.
- People born in 1970 or later: need 2 doses of measles vaccine for protection if they did not have measles. Children routinely get vaccinated after their first birthday and between ages four to six.
- People born before 1970 may have had measles infection since measles was prevalent during this time. If unsure, they can get vaccinated.
- Travellers outside of Canada and to areas where measles is present should get vaccinated before travel if they are not up-to-date or have never had a measles infection.
- Healthcare workers and military personnel need to be immune to work. This includes proof of vaccinations (two doses), or immunity (blood test), or a record of confirmed measles infection.
- Post-secondary students should ensure vaccination or proof of immunity.
- Unsure about vaccination status? You can safely get vaccinated with at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. A blood test can also be done to find out if someone is immune if they think they had a measles infection in the past.
For anyone who does not have a health care provider, the health unit offers routine immunizations, including measles by appointment.
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