Public health officials are warning residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes about a potential measles exposure at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay earlier this week.
The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health unit says an unvaccinated person with measles – who is not from the area – visited the hospital’s emergency department on Monday, May 19 between 7:02 p.m. and 9:46 p.m. Officials say the individual did not acquire the infection locally.
The health unit is now reaching out to those who may have been exposed in the ER waiting room and triage area. People at highest risk – including infants, pregnant women, and severely immunocompromised individuals – will be contacted first.
“Measles is a serious, but preventable illness with the vaccine being over 97 per cent effective after two doses,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Deputy Medical Officer of Health. “With cases on the rise provincially, it’s important that our community is aware and protecting themselves.”
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Symptoms typically begin 7 to 21 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red blotchy rash.
Public health urges anyone who may have been at the hospital during the exposure window to check their vaccination status, watch for symptoms, and avoid work or school if they feel ill.
More information is available on the health unit’s website or by calling 1-866-888-4577 ext. 4050.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)