Public Health Ontario also maintains a list of known exposure to measles sites. These exposure sites have been compiled from public advisories issued by public health units and will be updated regularly, as the information may change as new cases are identified and current exposures become out of date. Please note: this list includes only known exposure sites and there may be sites that have not yet been identified.

What should I do?

1.   Check if you are protected against measles.

You are protected against measles if you:

• Have two (2) doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Check your immunization record to confirm that you have 2 doses. A measles-containing vaccine will appear on a record as M (Measles), MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella), or MMRV (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella).

OR

• Have had blood work and a laboratory result shows antibodies to measles.

OR

• Have been tested for measles and have a laboratory result that reports you had measles.

OR

• Were born before 1970.

All health care workers require evidence of vaccination with two valid doses of measles-containing vaccine or bloodwork suggestive of immunity regardless of year of birth

If you do not have any of the above, you are not protected against measles.

2.   How do I check my immunization record?

1.   Find your yellow card that you received from your health care provider. Check that you are up to date with your measles immunizations. A measles vaccine will appear on a record as M (Measles), MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella), or MMRV (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella).

2.  If you can’t find your yellow card or if you are uncertain about your vaccination status, call your healthcare provider or check the Legacy Porcupine Health Unit website via ICON, or the Legacy Timiskaming Health Unit website via ICON, to determine if you have received an MMR vaccine in the past.

3.  If you or your child receive a vaccine, remember to bring your yellow card to the appointment or update your immunization record through ICON. Vaccination records can be accessed at any time, and an electronic “Yellow Card” can be generated when proof of vaccination is required.

 

3.  What should I do if I’m not protected against measles and I think I was   exposed?

If you are not protected against measles or if you don’t know if you have had any doses, follow these instructions:

1. If you attend or work at a school, childcare, or healthcare setting, stay home. Call NEPH at 1-877-442-1212 and ask to speak with the Infectious Diseases program.  You must stay home to protect others in these settings.
2. If you have zero (0) doses of MMR vaccine, stay at home. Call NEPH at 1-877-442-1212 and ask to speak with the Infectious Diseases program.
3. If you have had one (1) dose of MMR vaccine:

o   Call your healthcare provider or local public health NEPH office to receive a second dose of MMR vaccine.

o   Notify them of your exposure so that they can take appropriate precautions to limit the spread of measles when you get your second dose.

Unless you work in a healthcare setting, you can immediately return to work, school, or daycare after you get a second dose.

4.  If you, or a family member were exposed and pregnant, have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), or your family member is less than 12 months of age, you could have serious complications from being infected with measles. Call your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call NEPH at 1-877-442-1212 and ask to speak with the Infectious Diseases program.

  5. Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the date of exposure.

• If you have symptoms and need medical care, call ahead before you visit the doctor, clinic, or hospital. Tell them about your exposure to measles so they can prepare for your arrival and take appropriate precautions. Wear a mask if you go seek medical attention.
• If you have symptoms, call Northeastern Public Health at 1-877-442-1212. 

 

4.   What should I do if I’m protected against measles and I think I was exposed?

1. Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the date of exposure.

o   If you have symptoms and need medical care, call ahead before you visit the doctor, clinic, or hospital. Tell them about your exposure to measles so they can prepare for your arrival and take appropriate precautions. Wear a mask if you go seek medical attention.

o   If you have symptoms, call Northeastern Public Health at 1-877-442-1212.

Where can I find more information?

Northeastern Public Health is actively monitoring the situation. Case numbers will be updated on this page as they are confirmed. A news release will be issued when there is increased risk to the public

 

 

 

Stop Measles from travelling to Canada

See Public Health Ontario link here. 

 

If you are planning a trip, consider getting the measles vaccine – it’s not just for children.

Measles circulates in many regions of the world but cases soared in Europe last year and outbreaks continue to occur.

Measles has been eliminated in the Americas, but outbreaks occurred in California, Ontario, and Quebec in recent years.

In 2017/18, reported cases of Measles in Canada, including Ontario, originated from travellers.

Measles is considered one of the most contagious infectious diseases.  It is spread when infected people cough and sneeze. Those droplets make their way into the nose, mouth, and throat of the people around them. The virus also survives on surfaces for about 2 hours.

Children under 5 years are most at risk for complications from measles such as ear infection, pneumonia, and more rarely, encephalitis.

Measles can be easily prevented with the safe and effective MMR vaccine (combined measles, mumps, rubella). In Ontario, two doses of MMR vaccine are provided routinely to all children at 12 months and at 4-6 years of age. Infants travelling prior to their first birthday can receive MMR at 6 months of age.  Additional doses will be required after the first birthday.

Adults with 1 dose of MMR are eligible to receive a second dose if they are travelling to areas where disease is a concern.

To protect our communities and stop the spread of measles, vaccine coverage rates need to be high at 99%. Ontario falls just short of this in school-aged children. 

Help keep Ontario free of Measles – its easy – just get immunized. Call Timiskaming Health Unit or your health care provider.

 

 

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