Our health unit has confirmed a positive case of measles in the region.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says it’s in an adult who has not travelled recently or had known contact with the disease.
They add the public may have been exposed at the following locations:
- March 4 and March 5 at the SMDHU office in Cookstown,
- March 5 at the Alliston Walmart,
- March 7 at the Queens Medical Health Centre in Thornton and Angus Sobeys,
- March 8 at Moon Flour Bakery and Freshii in Angus, as well as the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Emergency Department.
Officials ask anyone who believes they might have come into contact with the virus to call the health unit at 705-721-7520 and confirm whether you and your family have each had two doses of the measles vaccine.
They add that measles is highly contagious, and you should stay home if you show symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, or red eyes, as well as the disease’s signature red, blotchy rash and white spots in your mouth and throat.
“The risk of measles is low for people who have been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine or those born before 1970; however, many children have been delayed in receiving their routine childhood immunizations including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and people who have not had two doses of measles vaccine are at higher risk of contracting the disease,” said Dr. Gardner, SMDHU medical officer of heath.
The health unit adds measles can be severe for infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young. Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure.
The health unit is advising individuals and families to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccines and to remain watchful for symptoms even if vaccinated against measles.