THREE CONFIRMED CASES OF MEASLES IN OTTAWA AND LANARK COUNTY

MCA COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Please see the PSA below regarding 3 measles cases within the Ottawa area. If you or your child has been exposed, have signs and symptoms and/or are concerned about a possible infection, please see your Health Care Provider. If you have not been fully vaccinated against measles or if you are not sure, please be sure to call ahead to let the health care provider know that you are coming and suspect that you may have measles.

For more information about measles and immunizations, please speak to your health care provider or call MCA Community Health at (613) 575-2341 ext. 3220.

OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

(September 3, 2016) Ottawa – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGL) are investigating three related cases of measles in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals who have not received all of their required measles vaccines. The health units are working closely with local health care providers, hospitals, and the province to contact individuals and families who may have been exposed to the infectious cases.

The risk of contracting measles in Ottawa and Lanark County is low for those who have been vaccinated; however, given that measles is highly contagious, it is very important that you ensure your measles immunization is up-to-date. Please remember to report to public health every time your child is vaccinated.

Measles is a virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The infection is more severe in adults and infants than in children and can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.

It is possible that members of the public were exposed to measles at the times and places listed below. People who have not previously had measles or have not been fully vaccinated, and who might have been exposed in these areas are asked to:

• Watch for any signs and symptoms of measles

• Avoid contact with individuals who are at high risk for complications of measles (infants less than 12 months of age, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems) for 21 days after exposure date

Symptoms of measles:

Early symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, and tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.

If you think that you or a family member has measles, contact a health care provider immediately. Be sure to call ahead to let the health care provider know that you are coming and suspect that you may have measles.

For more information about measles and immunizations, please speak to your health care provider or call MCA Community Health at (613) 575-2341 ext. 3220.