South East Health Unit Investigating Additional Exposures to a Confirmed Measles Case

South East Health Unit (SEHU) is advising residents of potential measles exposure at several sites in the southeast region related to a new single positive case of measles.

This is in addition to three other unrelated measles exposure locations SEHU identified in Kingston earlier this week for a different positive case of measles.

This case is also unrelated to a measles outbreak previously identified in the Hastings region.

If you attended the following locations at these dates and times, you may have been exposed to measles:

If you were at any of the above locations during the exposure times:

1. Check vaccination records to ensure protection from measles.

• Immunity requires two doses of a measles vaccine or proof of immunity through a laboratory test. If you are unsure of your vaccination status:

                - Check your record (please note that public health may not have records for anyone born in 1985 or earlier):

                - Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington: https://kfla.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome

                - Hastings, Prince Edward: hpechu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome

                - Leeds, Grenville, Lanark: lgl.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome

                - Call your healthcare provider

                - Call SEHU’s Kingston office at 613-549-1232 or its Belleville office at 613-966- 5500, ext. 221

• Most individuals born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired immunity due to infection in their childhood, as high levels of measles were circulating before 1970.
• If you are not vaccinated or have had only one dose of measles vaccine you should seek vaccination through SEHU or primary care clinics.
• Call before visiting a healthcare setting and notify them of your recent measles exposure. This helps protect others and allows healthcare providers to prepare for your visit.

2. Monitor for symptoms until 21 DAYS following your exposure date (even if you are vaccinated). Symptoms of measles start seven to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever, cough, runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (pink eye or conjunctivitis)
• Red blotchy rash

If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not go to work, school or daycare. Call your healthcare provider before visiting to let them know you may have measles and need special precautions. You may also call SEHU’s Kingston office at 613 549-1232 or the Belleville office at 613-966-5500 ext. 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Please contact SEHU immediately if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Were with an infant under 12 months of age during exposure
• Are pregnant and unvaccinated or unsure of your immunity to measles
• Are immunocompromised

You may be eligible for preventive treatment. In Kingston call 613 549-1232, in Belleville call 613-966- 5500, ext. 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of severe complications, including brain inflammation and even death.

More information on measles can be found at kflaph.ca/measles.