Peterborough Public Health has confirmed a second case of locally acquired measles.
On Tuesday (June 17), the health unit announced that measles has been identified in a contact of the first measles case that was reported last Tuesday.
Like that first case, the second case of measles was also in a person who was vaccinated against the virus.
The health unit is sharing known locations in Peterborough that were attended by the second person infected with measles.
Current known exposure locations are Dairy Queen at 828 Chemong Road on Sunday, June 15 from 4 to 6:10 p.m. and The Back40 Smoke House at 289 George Street North #287 on Sunday, June 15 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
“Additional time (information) has been included in the information above to reflect the potential for airborne transmission of the measles virus,” reads the media release.
People who believe they may be at risk of having been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms until 21 days after potential exposure and 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.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the dates and locations above, have not been vaccinated or are unsure, notify Peterborough Public Health by calling 705-743-1000. You should also call the health unit if you were exposed and are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or pregnant to be assessed for eligibility and need for post-exposure care.
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 symptoms of measles, call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 and notify them that you may have measles. I you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, always phone any clinic, emergency department, or health care setting first before going there.
Although most people who contract measles recover without treatment, it can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant people, and those with existing medical conditions. Possible complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
