More than 200 people exposed to children with measles; no new cases reported

More than 200 people have had exposure to a local child who contracted measles while on a trip to Europe.

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The estimate is based on exposures at Brantford General Hospital, McMaster Children’s Hospital and a Lufthansa flight from London’s Heathrow airport, said Ryan Spiteri, manager of communications for the Brant County Health Unit.

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No additional measles cases related to the initial case have been identified, said Spiteri on Friday.

“The Brant County Health Unit is currently offering the MMR (measles) vaccine to those in our community we’ve identified as at risk of potential exposure at the locations and times we’ve released,” said Spiteri. “This would only apply to those who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine in the past or have assumed immunity (were born prior to 1970). These individuals are being identified by our infectious disease team.”

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Spiteri said those who live outside Brantford-Brant, and who meet these criteria, are encouraged to contact their local public health unit.

“Those who are not at risk of exposure to this case are encouraged to contact their primary healthcare provider to receive an MMR vaccine, should they require one.”

The health unit issued a news release on Wednesday saying a child living in Brantford-Brant was in hospital with a confirmed case of measles.

An investigation by health unit staff was done to determine who may have been exposed to the virus. It 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 emergency department on Feb. 24 between 6:51 am and 2:09 pm

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Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus should check their immunization record to confirm they and their families are up to date with their measles vaccinations and watch for symptoms of measles, even if they are up to date with measles vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus, which spreads easily from person to person. More than 90 per cent of those exposed at home to a child with measles will catch it. Symptoms include a red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. There is no treatment.

Serious complications include pneumonia, brain damage, and death. Pregnant women are also at risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and miscarriage if infected.

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“With travel-related measle cases detected in Ontario and some within neighboring health units,” the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said in a news release on Friday urging residents to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccine, especially if they are planning to travel abroad.

Children routinely receive the first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age and second dose from ages four to six years. Adults who have received two doses of MMR vaccine are considered up to date. Adults with only one dose of MMR are eligible to receive a second dose if they are planning to travel to areas of concern, are a health care worker or post-secondary student.

Those who have recently traveled, and may have contracted measles, should call their health care provider ahead of their visit to allow staff to take any necessary precautions.

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