Five new potential measles exposures in local hospitals

With five new potential measles exposures reported in hospitals over the past week, Southwestern Public Health is urgently asking the community to call ahead before visiting any health care settings – including Emergency Departments – if you have been exposed to or have symptoms consistent with measles.

The potential exposures occurred at the following locations and timeframes:

• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg) between 9:00AM and 1:00PM on January 25
  
  
• St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital – Emergency Department (189 Elm Street, St. Thomas) between 4:30PM and 6:52PM on January 26
  
  
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg) between 10:37PM on January 26 and 12:45AM on January 27
  
  
• Woodstock General Hospital – Emergency Department (310 Juliana Drive, Woodstock) between 10:41AM and 1:15PM on January 27
  
  
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department (167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg) between 10:00PM on January 27 and 12:15AM on January 28

If you were present at these locations during these timeframes, were born in 1970 or later, and are not up-to-date with your vaccinations, please call public health at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 1232. This includes those who were only present briefly as measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours.

“We are asking the community to help us manage these exposures by taking that extra step to call ahead before you arrive to a health care setting,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health. “This is critical to support health care workers at these facilities because it allows them the opportunity to prepare for your arrival, limiting the chance of others being exposed to this highly-contagious virus.”

Southwestern Public Health did not identify gaps in infection control at these health care settings.

Actions to take if you were present during these times:

1. Check your immunization history or contact your health care provider to confirm if you and your family members are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
   
   
2. Watch for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after exposure, even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccinations. During this time, if you are unvaccinated avoid contact with vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and children.
   
   
3. Those who were present with an infant under twelve months of age, are pregnant, or are immunocompromised, are advised to immediately call public health at 1-800-922-0096 as you may be eligible for preventive treatment.
   
   
4. Call ahead to all health care settings if you have been exposed to, are a contact of, or have symptoms consistent with measles. This ensures that the health care settings can prepare for your arrival to prevent further exposures.

Measles is a reportable disease of public health significance that can result in complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/measles for more information.

Southwestern Public Health also offers this advice to the general community:

• Stay home if you are unwell. If you think you have measles, isolate immediately and call your health care provider to discuss testing. Call before visiting any health setting so that they can prepare for your arrival.
  
  
• Know your immunization history. Measles immunization is very effective, with two doses of vaccine providing up to 99% protection. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork to review your vaccination record. Contact your health care provider if you do not have your vaccination record or are missing vaccinations.
  
  
• Stay updated with routine vaccinations. Children attending school in Ontario routinely receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine (one dose after their first birthday and the second dose at 4 years of age). Infants from 6 to 11 months can also receive a measles vaccination if they are travelling to or reside in an area of concern. Public health vaccinates children up to 18 years of age – find appointments for children online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking. Consult your health care provider if you want more information about measles vaccine eligibility for adults.