Huron Perth Public Health is informing the community about a recent measles exposure at Stratford General Hospital. The exposure happened in the emergency room on Sunday, March 9th, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Anyone who was in the emergency room during this time, was born in 1970 or later, and is not up to date with their measles vaccinations should contact public health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299. Even those who were only there for a short time could be at risk, as measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours.
Public health officials are working on case management and contact tracing for confirmed measles cases. When they cannot reach all exposed individuals, they issue a public notice. More information about measles, vaccination clinics, and exposure risks can be found at www.hpph.ca/measles.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. The virus can cause complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In rare cases, it can lead to brain infections and even death.
Symptoms usually appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth and throat. A red blotchy rash typically starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears three to seven days after other symptoms begin.
A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. While most people recover within two to three weeks, some may experience serious complications.
Residents are encouraged to check their vaccination status and seek medical advice if they believe they were exposed.