Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reporting its first laboratory confirmed case of measles in an individual in Lambton County.
At this time, LPH has followed up with all known contacts and exposures while further investigation is ongoing. Further details will be provided as necessary.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air. LPH is reminding the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and Koplik (white) spots in the mouth.
Those considered to be most at risk of contracting measles and experiencing complications as a result are:
- Unvaccinated infants
- Unvaccinated pregnant people
- People who are immunocompromised.
Measles is prevented by vaccine and those who have received a full schedule of a measles-containing vaccine, have previously been infected, or were born prior to 1970 are considered to be protected from infection.
The measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and is included in Ontario’s publicly funded routine immunization schedule.
If you think that you or a family member has measles or may have been exposed, call your health care provider immediately. If you have or develop symptoms, self-isolate at home. If you need to visit a health care provider, please call first and inform them that you have measles symptoms so the appropriate precautions can be taken.
More information on measles, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented is available on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s website.