Thursday, April 03, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Are You Protected Against Measles?
Measles activity continues in Ontario, with 11 cases reported since the beginning of the year. The initial five cases were in travelers to Thailand, Europe and the Philippines, but there has been spread from these cases. While the majority of cases have not been immunized, a few cases have occurred in partially or fully immunized persons. Measles is also occurring in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. To date, no cases have been reported in Grey Bruce.
In Ontario, two doses of the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are given to children; the first on or after their first birthday and the second at 4- 6 years. As of April 2 in Grey Bruce, 98 percent of school-age children have had two doses. The two doses provide almost 100% protection.
Adults born before 1970 can be assumed to have natural immunity as they likely had measles. Two doses of the combined MMR vaccine is generally recommended for those born in 1970 or later, for young adults, post-secondary students, healthcare workers and anyone travelling to locations where there is potential of exposure.
Measles spreads very easily. The virus passes from person to person through direct contact and from breathing in airborne droplets containing the virus. It can take 7-18 days from being exposed to the start of symptoms. Measles begins with cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and fever; after about four days a rash begins on the face and moves down the body. Infants under one year, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system can get very ill with measles. Complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, croup and inflammation of the brain.
“Measles is not common in Canada, due to our high immunization rates,” says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. “But the current outbreaks show we can’t let our guard down. Being vaccinated is your best protection against measles. Take a moment to review your own as well as your children’s immunization status.”
For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Karen Sweiger
Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1230
K.Sweiger@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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