Measles have been making an appearance in Southern Ontario over the past several weeks. According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, we have not experienced any measles outbreak in the Simcoe or Muskoka regions.
Measles is highly contagious and can easily be spread from person to person. The virus is spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. It then enters the body through the nose or mouth. You can spread measles from Day 1 of being infected up to 4 days after the rash appears. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots called “Koplik’s spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but may not always be present Approximately 3 to 7 days after the start of the symptoms a red rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body.
The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to receive immunization for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) if you have not already. Children should receive their 1st MMR after their 1st birthday, with a second vaccine received between 4-6 years of age. People born before 1970 are considered to have natural immunity as they probably have been exposed to measles as a child.
If you have concerns or questions about the measles vaccine, please speak with your NP or RN at the clinic for further information.
You can also protect yourself and help prevent the spread of measles by washing your hands after coughing, sneezing, going to the washroom, and before preparing foods or eating. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and do not share food, drinks or cigarettes.
