Measles exposure at hospitals in Picton and Napanee

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is advising of more measles exposures related to a new single positive case of measles.

Exposure locations include the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Emergency Department in Napanee on April 10 and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in Picton on April 11.

Additional exposure locations include Tamworth and a Kingston movie theatre.

Late last week the health unit also advised of possible measles exposures in Prince Edward County and Quinte West.

Locations include Foodland in Picton and Gillingham Brewing Company in Bloomfield on April 4 and Red’s Diner in Trenton on April 6.

SEHU says if you were present at these locations during these timeframes and are immunocompromised (regardless of age or immunity), born in 1970 or later and not up to date with your vaccinations, are an infant less than 12 months old, pregnant, or a health-care provider or childcare/education worker and do not have two doses of measles vaccine or evidence of immunity, to please call Public Health at 613-966-5500, ext. 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This includes those who were only present briefly, as measles is highly contagious.

See the full lists of exposure locations below:

If you were at any of the above locations during the exposure times:

1. Check vaccination records to ensure protection from measles.

• Immunity requires two doses of a measles vaccine or proof of immunity through a laboratory test. If you are unsure of your vaccination status:
  • Check your record (please note that public health may not have records for anyone born in 1985 or earlier):
  • Call before visiting a health-care setting and notify them of your recent measles exposure. This helps protect others and allows health-care providers to prepare for your visit.
    • KFLA: https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/immunization-records-and-reporting.aspx
    • HPE: hpechu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome
    • LGL: lgl.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcomeCall your health-care provider

• Call SEHU’s Kingston office at 613-549-1232 or its Belleville office at 613-966- 5500, ext. 221

1. • 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.
   • If you are not vaccinated or have had only one dose of measles vaccine you should monitor for symptoms and isolate at home for 21 days following your exposure and seek vaccination through SEHU or primary care clinics.

2. Monitor for symptoms until 21 DAYS following your exposure date (even if you are vaccinated). Symptoms of measles start seven to 21 days after exposure and may include:

1. • high fever, cough, runny nose
   • red, watery eyes (pink eye or conjunctivitis)
   • red blotchy rash

If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not go to work, school, daycare and public settings. Call your health-care provider before visiting to let them know you may have measles and need special precautions. You may also call SEHU’s Kingston office at 613 549-1232, or the Belleville office at 613-966-5500, ext. 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Please contact SEHU immediately if you fall into any of the following categories:

1. • Were with an infant under 12 months of age during exposure.
   • Are pregnant and unvaccinated or unsure of your immunity to measles.
   • Are immunocompromised.

You may be eligible for preventive treatment. In Kingston call 613 549-1232, in Belleville call 613-966- 5500, ext. 349, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of severe complications, including brain inflammation and even death.

More information on measles can be found at kflaph.ca/measles.