Estimates say that up to three in 1,000 children who get measles will die of respiratory and neurologic complications. (BSIP/UIG/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) has confirmed nine cases of measles in Hastings County, Ontario. The affected areas include Belleville, Quinte West, and Madoc. SEHU is currently investigating potential exposure at the Central Hastings Family Health Team clinic in Madoc on February 27 between 11:11 a.m. and 1:11 p.m.
Health officials are working closely with the clinic to trace individuals who may have been in contact with the virus.
Highly Contagious Disease Spreads Through Air
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.
Symptoms typically appear between 7 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. In some cases, small white spots may develop inside the mouth and throat. A red, blotchy rash usually follows three to seven days later, starting on the face and spreading down the body.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Health officials advise anyone experiencing measles symptoms to take precautions:
- Stay home and avoid work, school, or public places.
- Call your health-care provider before visiting a clinic to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Contact SEHU’s Infectious and Communicable Diseases Program at 613-966-5500, extension 349, for further guidance.
Vaccination Strongly Recommended
The SEHU is urging residents to check their immunization status. People born before 1970 are likely already immune, as they may have had measles as children. However, those unsure of their vaccination status should confirm they have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent measles. SEHU and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) are encouraging residents to get up to date with their immunizations. Appointments can be booked through family doctors or regional health authorities, including Hastings Prince Edward (HPE), Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLA), and Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark (LGL).
Ontario Sees Rising Measles Cases
Ontario has seen a sharp rise in measles cases, with numbers doubling over the past two weeks, reaching over 140 as of February 28.
Residents who do not have their vaccination records are advised to consult their family doctors. SEHU notes that records for those born before 1985 may not be available in digital databases.
For more information about measles and vaccination options, residents can visit official health websites.
