Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 8, 2024
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is encouraging residents to know their measles vaccine status and be aware of measles symptoms if they plan to travel over the March break. Measles cases are rapidly increasing globally, and in Ontario five cases of measles have been reported over the past few weeks. At this time, no cases of measles have been reported in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
Wondering if you need the measles vaccine?
- Most individuals born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired immunity due to infection in their childhood, as high levels of measles were circulating before 1970.
- Anyone born in 1970 or later who has not had measles or been vaccinated with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can become infected.
- The MMR vaccine is part of the Ontario’s routine immunization schedule, and is required for children attending school unless they have an exemption.
- Infants six to 11 months of age who are travelling to areas with increased measles transmission should be immunized with one dose of MMR. Two additional doses are required on or after the first birthday.
- Adults 18 years of age or older who have previously received one dose of MMR should receive the second dose if they are health care workers, post-secondary students, planning to travel to areas with increased measles transmission, or based on the health care provider’s clinical judgement.
How can I check my immunization record?
Review your immunization record or your child’s at hpechu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome. If your record is not up to date, speak to your health care provider about getting your vaccines. HPEPH is offering vaccine clinics for school-age children whose vaccines are not up to date. Appointments can be booked at hpePublicHealth.ca/clinic/immunization-clinic/.
When should I be worried about symptoms?
If you are travelling over the March break, when returning you should monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms usually appear four to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include:
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red and watery eyes
- High fever
- Small white spots inside the cheeks and mouth
- Rash typically presents day seven to18 and can appear all over the body
What should I do if I have symptoms or think I have been exposed?
If you experience any of these symptoms after travel, please call your health care provider and avoid attending any public settings.
If you believe you have been in contact with the measles virus while travelling, it is recommended you:
- Return to Canada wearing a well-fitting mask (preferably N95/KN95 style)
- Limit unnecessary contact with others
- Monitor closely for symptoms
For more information about measles visit hpePublicHealth.ca/measles-faqs/
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Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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