Southwestern Public Health has issued an alert following a potential measles exposure at Tillsonburg Memorial Hospital.
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The potential exposure happened on Tuesday, Jan. 14 between 7:30 pm and 10 pm at the hospital’s emergency department.
Those present at this location during this time who aren’t up to date with vaccinations are being asked to call public health at 1-800-922-0096.
“We are working quite closely with this healthcare setting to inform all known contacts,” said Dr. Joyce Lock, acting medical officer of health. “I want to stress that there was no gap in infection control processes identified.
“This message is really intended for people who were at this location that we cannot reach, such as people who visited even briefly during these timeframes. It is our responsibility to inform anyone as quickly as possible if they have been exposed to this virus.”
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Other actions to take if you were present at the location during the timeframe include:
- Check your immunization history or contact your healthcare provider to confirm if you and your family members are up to date with 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.
- Watch for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days after exposure – even if you are up to date with your vaccinations.
- Those who were present with an infant under 12 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 preventative treatment.
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- Call ahead to all healthcare settings if you have been exposed to, are a contact of, or have symptoms consistent with measles. This ensures the healthcare settings can prepare for your arrival to prevent further exposure.
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.
Southwestern Public Health offers this advice to the general community:
- Stay home if you’re unhappy. If you think you have measles, isolate yourself immediately and call your healthcare provider to discuss testing.
- Know your immunization history. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork to review your record. Contact your healthcare provider if you don’t 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 at age four. Public health vaccinates children up to 18 years of age. Find appointments for children online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about vaccine eligibility for adults.
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