The Kawarthas region has its first case of measles, according to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit.
On Thursday (June 5), the health unit announced it has received confirmation of a positive measles case within the City of Kawartha Lakes.
An adult resident, who has been fully vaccinated against measles, was exposed to the virus from close contact with a person from another region who was previously confirmed to have measles.
The health unit says it is following up with individuals who may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and dates:
- Dunsford District Elementary School (33 Dunsford Road, Dunsford) – May 28 from 3 to 8 p.m. and May 29 from 3 to 8 p.m.
- Dollarama Lindsay (363 Kent St. W., Lindsay) – May 30 from 3 to 5:05 p.m.
- Lindsay Square Mall (401 Kent St. W., Lindsay) – May 31 from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Hair Tones Salon (401 Kent St. W., Lindsay) – May 31 from 1 to 3:45 p.m.
“Additional time (information) has been included in the information above to reflect the potential for airborne transmission of the measles virus,” reads a media release from the HKPR District Health Unit.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the dates and locations above, notify the HKPR District Health Unit by calling 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by emailing info@hkpr.on.ca.
If you were at the exposure locations during the date and time listed and if you are considered immunocompromised, unvaccinated (including children under the age of one year), or pregnant, contact the health unit to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure care.
People who believe they may be at risk of having been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms until 21 days after potential exposure.
Check vaccination records to confirm that family members have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). People born before 1970 may only have received one dose and are not considered susceptible to infection.
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through coughing and sneezing that can live for up to two hours in the air.
Symptoms of measles begin one to three weeks after infection and may a high fever, cough, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red and watery eyes, small white spots with white centres on the inside of the mouth and throat, and a red blotchy rash three to seven days after other symptoms start.
If you develop any symptoms, stay home and do not attend work and school, and contact the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050.
Although people who get sick from measles usually recover without treatment, measles can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant women, and those with existing medical concerns. Possible complications of contracting measles include middle ear infections, pneumonia, or swelling of the brain and occasionally death in young children.
