WELLINGTON COUNTY – It’s March Break next week and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is out with a reminder to residents to check their measles vaccination status.
In the last couple of weeks measles cases have been identified in multiple jurisdictions throughout Ontario.
While there has not yet been a lab-confirmed case of the measles in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, officials say cases are expected.
“If you are vaccinated with 2 doses of measles vaccine or have had a documented case of measles, you are extremely well protected against measles,” says Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health in a news release. “Measles is highly contagious and can be very dangerous to the unvaccinated. I’m asking all residents to check their measles vaccination status and get vaccinated if required.”
With March Break next week, Public Health says it is important to know the symptoms of measles and how to reduce your risk by ensuring you and your family are vaccinated against the virus.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads from person to person through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, etc.). The measles virus can be active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for as long as two hours. You can catch measles by being near an infected person, even if you’re in the same room for a short period. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before a rash appears to four days after the rash appears. Measles is most common in children but can affect anyone who is not immune,” stated the WDG Public Health news release.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
- Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward (generally starts 3-7 days after symptoms begin)
For more information, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/measles.
