Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph has confirmed a local case of measles.
In addition, an individual from outside the region with measles attended an event in Guelph in February.
Public health did not provide a more specific location as to exactly where the case was confirmed. It was reported by a medical professional.
WDG Public Health is currently following up with anyone who may have been exposed to either case.
“This is part of a trend of increasing cases of measles identified in multiple jurisdictions across Ontario,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO in a news release. “Measles is extremely contagious – particularly among unvaccinated people – and can be very dangerous, especially for infants under one year of age. With March Break on the horizon, it is important to be vigilant and protect yourself and your family.”
Measles spreads easily through the air from person to person when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.
The virus can remain active for as long as two hours after a contagious person has left the area. You can get sick with measles by being in the same room or even in a different part of the same building as someone who is contagious. Measles can spread to others even before infected individuals start to show symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
- Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads over the rest of the body
More information is available at wdgpublichealth.ca/measles.