Health Canada Issues Measles Warnings After Halifax Case Confirmed

(CTN News) – In response to an outbreak of measles in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia Health has issued multiple exposure warnings to district residents.

It is because of this that family members and friends who have been in close contact with the confirmed case will be directly notified, and people who have visited any of the following locations in the time Measles periods listed below are being advised to monitor for any signs of illness.

• Taking place at Tanoor Restaurant in Bedford between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on April 6, there will be an event taking place.

• In Lower Sackville, at Family Focus Medical Clinic, on April 10, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., on a date to be determined.

• The IWK Health Centre Emergency Department in Halifax will be operating between 6:15 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. on April 10 as well as April 11 from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. on both days.

Symptoms of measles can begin to manifest as early as eight days after exposure and may last as late as 21 days. Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, a blotchy rash on the face that can spread to other parts of the body, and small white spots within the mouth and throat can all be symptoms of this condition.

In addition, people who are at a high risk of exposure due to their condition, such as immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and parents of children under the age of 12 months, who were at the IWK during a possible exposure time, are being asked to contact Nova Scotia Health immediately with any concerns.

Those who may have symptoms, even if they have been previously vaccinated, should try to get in touch with 811 as soon as possible.

In most cases, people can recuperate from measles within a few weeks of contracting it, but in certain higher-risk groups, complications can occur.

The Department of Health in Newfoundland and Labrador says there is a low risk of measles in most parts of the province, because most people have been vaccinated against it previously.

A Nova Scotian born after 1970 should have received two doses of the Measles vaccine after they reached their first birthday, according to the provincial department of health.

A primary care provider may be able to provide additional information about a patient’s status if they are unsure of it.

An investigation into the confirmed case by N.S. Health and the IWK is ongoing.

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