Southwestern Public Health on Monday reported another new measles exposure in a community setting.
Specifically on Feb. 17 between 5 and 8 p.m. at the East Elgin Community Complex in Aylmer.
If you were at the facility between those hourse, were born in 1970 or later, and are not up-to-date with your vaccinations, you are urged call the health unit.
To combat the measles outbreak in the region, Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario have expanded measles vaccine eligibility in the region, effective immediately.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms start 7 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. The main signs include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body
Complications can include:
Diarrhea
Ear infections
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Rare but serious complications:
Brain infection (encephalitis)
Death
Measles spreads when:
You breathe air where an infected person has coughed or sneezed
You touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
You can spread measles to others 4 days before the rash starts and until 4 days after the rash starts.
More information can be found at https://www.swpublichealth.ca/my-health/infectious-diseases/measles/
