Huron and Perth counties now areas of concern for measles

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has identified six lab-confirmed cases of measles in Huron and Perth counties, with more cases pending lab results as of March 6.

According to HPPH, all cases are connected to the ongoing outbreak in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions.

Someone who has measles can be contagious from four days before the rash starts to four days after the rash starts. Majority of cases reported in the current outbreaks are unvaccinated.

Huron and Perth counties are now considered areas of concern for measles, which can easily spread to people who are not immune when someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus is airborne and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, small white spots on inside of mouth and throat, and a red blotchy rash on the face that spreads down the body.

According to HPPH, most people recover from measles within two to three weeks, but sometimes the illness can cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, hearing loss, brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, or, rarely, death.

HPPH strongly recommends residents make sure they and family members are up to date with measles vaccinations, which is the most effective way to protect against measles.

Two doses of measles-containing vaccine are over 97 per cent effective in preventing a measles infection.

With Huron and Perth counties listed as areas of concern for measles, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, measles vaccine eligibility is now expanded to those who live, work, play, travel to, or worship within the HPPH region.

According to HPPH infants aged six months to 11 months old are eligible to receive a first dose of measles-containing vaccine for earlier protection against measles.

A second dose of vaccine for children can be given before the age of four in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Typically, in Ontario, children receive a measles booster dose between the ages of four and six, preferably before starting school.

HPPH strongly recommends under-immunized children in school or childcare receive the measles vaccine.

For more information about measles, visit www.hpph.ca/measles or contact the HPPH Measles Information line at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299 or measlesinfoline@hpph.ca