Lambton Public Health reporting second laboratory confirmed measles case

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reporting its second laboratory confirmed case of measles in an individual in Lambton County.

At this time, LPH is working to identify known contacts who may have been exposed. Members of the public may have been exposed at the following places and times:

Anyone who may have been exposed at the above locations should follow these steps:

Contact LPH at 519-383-8331 if you fall into one of the following categories:

• People with a severely weakened immune system;
• Pregnant individuals who are not protected against measles; and
• Anyone (child or adult) born in or after 1970 who is unvaccinated or has only received one dose of measles vaccine.

LPH will help determine your eligibility for post-exposure measures.

All exposed contacts should monitor for symptoms of measles which can appear up to 21 days after exposure but usually occur within 7-12 days. If you develop symptoms of measles (e.g., fever, rash, red eyes) avoid contact with others and do not attend public places (such as work, school, childcare, or shopping centres) or use public transport. If symptomatic, it is important to call your health care provider or any health care setting you might need to attend ahead of time, to alert them of your symptoms so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air. LPH is reminding the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and Koplik (white) spots in the mouth.

If you think that you or a family member has symptoms of measles, self-isolate at home, and call your health care provider immediately. If you need to visit a health care provider or any health care setting, please call first and inform them that you have measles symptoms so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Information about measles is available at: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/ensure-your-measles-vaccinations-are-up-to-date/.

If you have any questions, please contact Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331.

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Please contact:

LPH Media Inquiries