Distributed by e-mail on March 15, 2014
Measles has been confirmed in a returning traveller. As measles is spread though the airborne route and is very contagious, attempts are being made to notify those who may have been exposed during health care visits or in community settings. Exposed individuals in health care settings are being contacted by the Health Unit and also advised through the media; exposed individuals in community settings are being advised through the media. A media release (PDF 422KB) was issued March 15, 2014 and the Measles Fact Sheet (PDF 195KB) is available. The public who may have been exposed are being advised that, should they develop symptoms compatible with measles, they are to isolate themselves and contact the Health Unit and their health care provider.
Should you be contacted by a patient who suspects they have measles, it is very important to ensure that precautions are taken to prevent transmission if the patient needs to be seen in the office. If possible, they should:
- be seen at the end of the day,
- given a mask and placed in a private room as soon as they arrive in the office.
Only health care workers who are known to be immune to measles should care for potentially infected patients. Immunity for health care providers consists of either:
- two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine (on or after their first birthday and at least one month apart), or
- laboratory evidence of infection or immunity.
Some exposed individuals are health care providers and in order to ensure that infection does not spread in a health care setting, these individuals should not attend work until immunity to measles is documented based on the above criteria.
Should you suspect a patient has measles, please contact the Health Unit (519-663-5317 ext. 2330) so that we can assist with organizing the appropriate testing and ensuring the patient remains isolated.
Resources:
- A guide to laboratory testing for Measles Public Health Ontario
- MLHU Press Release
- Measles Fact Sheet (PDF 195KB)
Bryna