Sunday, February 23, 2025
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Middlesex-London Health Unit Informs Community of Additional Measles Exposure
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is informing members of the community of a new measles exposure at the London Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital this week. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed please use the important steps below.
Location and Time of Exposure
NEW: February 20, 2025
- Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department Waiting Room, 5:29pm-7:41pm
February 18, 2025
- Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Department Waiting Room, 8:45pm-11:15pm
“Measles cases are on the rise across the province, primarily affecting children. As individuals seek medical attention, this has and can continue to lead to exposures within health care settings. If you or your child is sick with suspected measles and requires medical care, please seek it. However, we ask that you phone ahead so that staff can take necessary precautions to help prevent further spread,” says Dr. Janice Mok, Resident Physician.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should follow these steps:
- Check your immunization record, and make sure you and your family members are up to date with the measles vaccination (noted as the “MMR” or “MMRV” on records). Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969.
- If you are unsure about your vaccination status, please check with your health care provider. In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune against measles.
- Anyone who was exposed and is immunocompromised, is pregnant AND not immune to the measles virus, or who was accompanied by an unvaccinated infant should contact Middlesex- London Health Unit immediately to discuss post-exposure treatment to minimize risk. People who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of one, are at highest risk.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles can appear up until 21 days after exposure, and include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or a red rash lasting four to seven days.
- If you think you may have measles and need to see a health care provider, you must call the clinic or hospital before you go to inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.
For additional information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, visit www.healthunit.com/measles.
Media Contact:
Donna Kosmack
Manager, Oral Health and Clinical Support Services
Middlesex-London Health Unit
manageroncall@mlhu.on.ca
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