Dear Community,
Recently, Ontario Health has reported an increased risk of measles infection. Measles is a highly transmissible, vaccine preventable disease. Symptoms occur 7-21 days after exposure and include rash, fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, sleepiness, irritability, and small white spots in the mouth. A red blotchy rash usually develops 3-7 days after symptom onset starting on the face and spreading down the body. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Additionally, it can spread by touching a surface with the measles virus on it.
Early identification of infection and remaining at home can greatly decrease the spread of the measles. Vaccination is key in preventing measles infection and spread. Following the Canadian Routine Vaccination schedule children are vaccinated at 12 months and 4-6 years old. Community members are encouraged to contact their health care provider and ensure immunizations for themselves and their family are up to date.
Respectfully,
Communicable Disease Team
Wasauksing Nursing Station