Measles infection reported by Public Health Sudbury & Districts

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting the first measles infection in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts since 2014. The affected individual is an infant who was too young to have been vaccinated.

Public Health has directly notified the individuals in its service area who are known to have been exposed to measles and continues to work with the Ministry of Health and other local public health agencies to minimize the spread of infection. However, measles is spreading across North America at levels not seen in three decades. Given this heightened risk, it is important that everyone protect themselves by ensuring they have had 2 doses of vaccine.

“Measles can spread very quickly among people who are not fully immunized, and it can cause severe illness in some people,” said Christina Baier, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “This is an opportunity for everyone to make sure they are up to date with their immunizations or to follow up with their health care provider if they are not,” said Baier.

Information about measles

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles—it’s safe and effective. It limits the spread of measles and protects yourself and others, especially infants and persons with weakened immune systems who cannot get vaccinated themselves.

The measles virus spreads through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. The virus can live for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces. Over 90% of people who are not immune to measles will become infected if they are exposed to the virus.

Measles can lead to serious complications such as lung infections, swelling of the brain, seizures, and middle ear infections, and in rare cases, death. Pregnant people may also experience premature labour, stillbirth, or miscarriage.

Common symptoms of measles

• fever
• runny nose, cough
• red and watery eyes
• small white spots in the mouth and throat
• a red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body (appears 3 to 7 days after other symptoms)

If you or a family member have symptoms and think you were exposed to measles, immediately isolate at home and avoid all contact with people who are not immunized. Call your health care provider or the walk-in clinic’s office before going so they can provide instructions to follow to protect other people, such as wearing a medical or N95 mask.

Online assessment tool

The measles self-assessment tool can help you determine if you are protected against measles, what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, were exposed to the measles virus, or are unsure about your risk.

• https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/measles

How to check your immunization records

• Check your immunization records and those of your family members (online or hard copy) to confirm if you’re fully vaccinated against measles. Contact your health care provider if you are unsure.
• If you submitted your child’s immunization records to Public Health Sudbury & Districts, you can view them online using Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) by visiting icon.ehealthontario.ca. Public Health keeps records for vaccinations people received while under the age of 18.
• Public Health does not keep new records for those 18 and older. Check your yellow card for your vaccination history.
• If you were born before 1970, you are likely immune to measles, but consult your health care provider if you’re uncertain.
• You can find information about Ontario’s routine immunization schedule online at ontario.ca/page/ontarios-routine-immunization-schedule (Government of Ontario).

For more information about measles and immunization, please visit phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).