Health unit confirms case of measles in Brantford-Brant resident

A case of measles has been confirmed in Brantford-Brant.

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The Brant County Health Unit said a child living in the area, who is currently in hospital, acquired the illness during a recent trip to Europe.

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In a news release issued Wednesday, the health unit said staff is investigating and following up with those known to have come in contact with the child and may have been exposed to the measles virus.

The investigation has determined those at the following locations may have been exposed:

  • Lufthansa Flight 6584 from London Heathrow, United Kingdom to Pearson International Airport on Feb. 23 between 3 pm (local London time) and 5:55 pm (local Toronto time).
  • Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 1 on Feb. 23 between 5:55 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Brantford General Hospital’s emergency department waiting room on Feb. 23 between 8 p.m. and 2:02 a.m.
  • McMaster Children’s Hospital’s emergency department on Feb. 24 between 6:51 am and 2:09 pm

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The health unit said there are no school-related exposures.

“Measles is a serious illness, but it’s preventable,” said Dr. Rebecca Comley, Brant’s medical officer of health. “Studies show the measles vaccine is 99 per cent effective in preventing measles after two doses. It’s important for all Ontarians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, especially before traveling.”

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles viruses should do the following:

  • Check their immunization record to confirm they and their families are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those unsure of their vaccination status are asked to check with their healthcare provider. Two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles, even if you are up to date with measles vaccine.
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up recommendations and shouldn’t attend work or school. Those concerned about symptoms should call their healthcare provider before going to see them, informing them they may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

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Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus, which is spread easily from person to person. More than 90 per cent of those exposed at home to a child with measles will catch it. It is spread simply by breathing air that contains the measles virus, which can live in the air for up to two hours when a person has coughed or sneezed. It may also be spread by direct contact with the nose or throat droplets of an infected person.

Symptoms of measles include a red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue.

A person with measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Symptoms may start around 10 days after exposure but can start anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally last one to two weeks.

There is no treatment for measles. Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing the spread of the virus. The health unit says children should be immunized with the measles vaccine (MMR) as soon as possible after their first birthday and receive a booster before starting school.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider or, if they’re not available, call the health unit at 519-753-4937, ext. 454.

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