Huron Perth Public Health Is Reporting A Case Of Measles In A Huron Perth Resident

by Bob Montgomery

Huron Perth Public Health has reported the first laboratory confirmation of measles infection in Huron and Perth counties. 

They have completed case and contact tracing and will not be providing any additional public details about the case. “There has been an ongoing measles outbreak in southwestern Ontario and we have been closely monitoring the situation,” says Dr. Lauren Hayward, Physician Consultant at HPPH. “Now is a good time to review information about measles and measles vaccination if you haven’t already.” Measles is a highly contagious virus. It is airborne and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. The virus can spread to other people when someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. 

Symptoms

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to the virus and include: fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present and a red blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads down the body (normally appears three to seven days after symptoms begin)

Someone who has measles can be contagious for four days before the rash starts until four days after the rash starts. Most people fully recover from measles within two to three weeks, but sometimes measles can cause complications, such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures or, rarely, death. 

Infection or exposure

If you think you or a family member has been exposed to measles or has the virus stay home and avoid contact with other people. Avoid having visitors in your home, if you need medical care, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. Tell them you may have measles or been exposed so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent the virus from spreading to others, wear a well-fitted mask if you need to go out for medical care.

Prevention

The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. Check that you and your family are up to date on measles and other routine vaccines. This is especially important if you are planning to travel during the March break – regardless of where you are going. It can take up to two weeks to get full protection from the measles vaccine. 

The measles vaccine is included in Ontario’s publicly funded routine childhood immunization schedule. To be protected against measles, you should have two doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e., MMR and/or MMRV), which are over 97% effective in preventing a measles infection. 

• Children in Ontario typically receive their first dose of a measles vaccine after their first birthday (but it can be given as early as six months of age) and their second dose between ages four and six. 

• People born in or after 1970 require two doses of measles vaccine if they never had a prior measles infection. 

• People born before 1970 may have had measles infection, which provides lifelong immunity. If you are unsure of whether you had measles before or if you are travelling, you may receive one dose of a measles vaccine from your healthcare provider.

Book an appointment with your healthcare provider to receive any outstanding vaccinations. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact the Unattached Care Clinic nearest to you (https://hpaoht.ca/ucc/). Only if unable to access care, call Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to speak with a member of the Immunization Team.