The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (now legally Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health) has confirmed some residents may have been exposed to measles. The individual, not from the health unit’s catchment area, was confirmed to be infected with measles by Ross Memorial Hospital while seeking care. The individual was unvaccinated and did not acquire the infection locally.
The HKPR District Health Unit is working closely with the hospital and actively tracing contacts identified as being in the specified area of the hospital during the time-period detailed below. The Health Unit will contact those at highest risk first, infants, pregnant women and severely immunocompromised individuals. At this time, our investigation has determined that those at the following location may have been exposed to the measles virus:
- Ross Memorial Hospital, Emergency Room Waiting Room and Triage Area, 10 Angeline Street N, Lindsay, ON, on Monday, May 19 from 7:02 p.m. to 9:46 p.m.
The Health Unit has received a list of patients that may have been exposed to measles at the date and location. Others that feel they may be at risk should do the following:
- Check your vaccination record. Confirm that household family members have received two (2) doses of the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). Those born before 1970 may only have received one (1) dose and are not considered susceptible.
- Monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you develop any symptoms. Do not attend work or school and call the Health Unit if you develop signs or symptoms to notify them that you may have measles.
- Visit the HKPR District Health Unit measles webpage for more information.
- If you identify you are at risk or develop signs and symptoms, please contact 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050.
Symptoms and Complications
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through coughing and sneezing that can live for up to two hours in the air. Symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:
- High fever of 38.8 C (101 F) or greater
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots with white centres, known as Koplik’s spots, on the inside of the mouth and throat.
- Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start.
Although people who get sick from measles usually recover without treatment, it is important to consider measles can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant women, and those with existing medical concerns. Possible complications of contracting measles include middle ear infections, pneumonia, or swelling of the brain and occasionally death in young children.
“It’s critical that we work together to prevent further spread of this vaccine-preventable disease,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for HKNP Public Health. “Measles is a serious, but preventable illness with the vaccine being over 97 per cent effective after two doses. With cases on the rise provincially, it’s important that our community is aware and protecting themselves.”
Measles Vaccination Information
The best way to protect against measles is through vaccination. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e., MMR and/or MMRV) is over 97 per cent effective in preventing a measles infection. The measles vaccine is a publicly funded, routine childhood vaccine in Ontario (Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule). Community members born in 1970 or after are advised to have two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Adults born before 1970 are generally considered protected against measles. Adults born before 1970 who work in certain healthcare settings may be recommended to receive the measles vaccine. Check your vaccination records or ask your healthcare provider to confirm your vaccinations.
For More Information
Visit the HKPR District Health Unit’s measles webpage.
Call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email info@hkpr.on.ca to speak to a public health professional.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
