Article content
An area health unit is reaching out to people who may have been exposed to measles in two health-care facilities in the region, after at least one person is confirmed to have the disease.
Article content
An unimmunized child is in hospital with a confirmed case of measles and Southwestern Public Health is contacting people who were at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital emergency department between 9 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 2:36 a.m. on Nov. 24 for possible exposure, the health unit said Wednesday in a news release.
Article content
It’s not known if the case is linked to a recent cluster of measles reported in early November, the health unit said.
Measles is spread through the air and can cause complications including pneumonia, ear infections, brain infections and, in rare cases, death. People who have had a measles-containing vaccine, have been previously infected, or who were born before 1970 are generally protected from infection.
A prominent rash is the most visible symptom of measles and begins about seven to 18 days after exposure, usually on the face or upper neck.
The health unit also is trying to reach anyone who was at the Aylmer Ultrasound and Aylmer Family Dental clinics at 418 Talbot St. W. in Aylmer on Nov. 21 between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the same time as a person from outside the region with a probable case of measles.
“We are working quite closely with both health care settings to inform all known contacts. I want to stress that there was no gap in infection control processes identified at either location,” Joyce Lock, acting medical officer of health for Southwestern Public Health, said.
Article content
“This message is really intended for people who were at these locations that we cannot reach, such as people who visited even briefly during these timeframes,” Lock said. “It is our responsibility to inform anyone as quickly as possible if they have been exposed to this virus.”
The health unit is asking people who were at those locations during the stated timeframes and not up-to-date with their vaccinations to call public health at 1-800-922-0096.
IF YOU WERE PRESENT
- Check your immunization history or contact your health-care provider to confirm measles vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Watch for symptoms of the virus for up to 21 days following exposure, even if up to date on measles vaccinations.
- Anyone who was present with an infant younger than 12 months of age, who is pregnant or who is immunocompromised should call public health immediately.
- Call ahead to health care settings if you’ve been exposed, are a contact of, or have symptoms of measles to prepare health care settings for your arrival.
ADVICE FROM SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC HEALTH
- Stay home if you’re unwell.
- Know your immunization history and contact your health care provider if you do not have your vaccination record or are missing vaccinations.
- Stay updated with routine vaccinations. Children attending school in Ontario routinely receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine, the first after their first birthday and the second at four years of age.
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network
