Milkos / Depositphotos.com
With March Break approaching and many families planning travel or gatherings, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is encouraging residents to review and update their children’s immunizations – particularly the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Health officials say measles activity is increasing in many travel destinations. Adults and children who are not protected against measles and certain other communicable diseases could be excluded from child care, school or work if cases occur locally.
The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing about 97% protection after two doses. In Ontario, children receive the MMR vaccine at one year of age and again at four years as part of the routine immunization schedule. Appointments can be made through a health care provider or by booking online at a health unit immunization clinic in Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland or Orillia.
Measles cases are rising globally, with outbreaks reported in several countries, including Mexico and the United States. As of Monday, February 16th, Health Canada reported 192 measles cases this year across Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the local health unit recommend ensuring immunizations are up to date before travelling internationally, including two doses of MMR by age five. This is especially important for children aged four to six, older children who missed their second dose, individuals born in 1970 or later who plan to travel outside Canada, and adults who are health-care workers or post-secondary students.
Infants aged six to 11 months travelling to areas with increased measles transmission may be eligible for an early first dose following discussion with a health care provider. Individuals born before 1970 in Canada are generally presumed immune, but those travelling internationally who have not had measles infection or vaccination are advised to consider one dose.
Measles spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, with the virus able to remain in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and irritability, followed by a red blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis.
For more information on measles and vaccination, click here.
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
