Islanders are advised to ensure that they and their family’s vaccinations are up to date, especially when travelling, said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison.
This reminder is prompted by a notice from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) which is investigating a reported case of measles in Ontario and another in New Brunswick of two residents who acquired the disease in Mexico. The two cases had not been vaccinated against measles.
Additionally, there were two contacts of the cases in N.B. who contracted measles; therefore, travelers to foreign countries as well as residents of a province should ensure their immunizations are up to date.
“Although measles has become an uncommon disease in Prince Edward Island, with our last reported case in 1992, it is highly contagious and can be very serious,” said Dr. Morrison. “The best protection is to keep your immunizations up to date and we encourage all residents to be immunized.”
Measles symptoms include a rash, high fever and cough with complications including ear infection, pneumonia, infection of the brain, brain damage and, in severe cases, death. If you suspect that you have, or a member of your family has, measles, contact a health care provider immediately. Make sure to call ahead and let the health care provider know you are coming and that you suspect measles. This will allow them to take precautions in their office or clinic.
Vaccination for measles is part of Prince Edward Island’s regular immunization schedule. If you have questions about the immunization schedule, visit the Public Health Nursing website at www.healthpei.ca/publichealth; for travel-related vaccines, contact a Travel Clinic.