The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health have issued a joint statement regarding a confirmed case of measles in the area.
One person has tested positive for measles. This individual lives in London and works in Woodstock, according to the health organizations.
It is believed that the person contracted measles while travelling outside of Canada.
“Public health was notified of this case late Friday afternoon. We have been able to determine their potential
contacts and are following up with those people to make sure they are aware of the situation and to prevent the
spread of further illness,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
The infected person had limited contact with others during the time they were contagious. However, they did attend a London medical clinic on Tuesday February 15 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. They also worked overnight shifts at Nova Steel in Woodstock on Thursday February 9 and Sunday February 12 between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Anyone who was at the medical clinic at the same time is being contacted directly by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Southwestern Public Health asks those who worked the overnight shifts at Nova Steel on February 9 and 12 to contact them for next steps.
Dr. Ninh Tran, the medical officer of health for Southwestern Public Health, says anybody who might have been exposed should closely monitor themselves for symptoms.
“If you are not fully vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, have not had measles in the past, or if you develop symptoms, please call Southwestern Public Health,” Tran said.
Signs of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, irritated eyes, small light-coloured spots inside the mouth. The last symptom to appear is usually a skin rash that starts on the face and spreads down the rest of the body.
If symptoms do appear, self-isolate and contact your public health unit as well as your healthcare provider.
Anybody with questions or concerns about their vaccination status can get information from their local health unit.
During business hours, Middlesex-London Health Unit can be reached at at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330. After hours, please call 519-675-7523.
Southwestern Public Health is available at 1-800-922-0096.
