WELLINGTON COUNTY – People don’t often think of measles nowadays because it’s not as common in Canada as it once was, according to a local public health official.
Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, says living in a globally connected world, it can still be passed from person to person.
This is especially important, Tenenbaum says, for those travelling soon to areas in which the disease is more prevalent, like those vacationing for March break.
Tenenbaum says in the community and across the country, not every child stayed up to date outside of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.
He says now more than ever, getting back on track in terms of vaccinations is crucial to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Tenenbaum added falling behind on immunization rates for many diseases like measles can be dangerous.
Tenenbaum says numbers for many vaccines fell behind during the pandemic, and WDG Public Health is working to get those numbers back where they need to be.
Symptoms of measles include feeling unwell with fever, red eyes and/or a large blotchy rash.
Vaccines are available with your family doctor or through public health.
