Public Health is warning about potential exposure to a confirmed case of measles in the Fredericton and Carleton County areas.
Officials say the case involves an individual who recently travelled outside of the country.
You may have been exposed if you were at the emergency department of the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville during the following times:
- Friday, Oct. 18, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight
- Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Anyone potentially exposed during these times is advised to call the Woodstock Public Health office at 506-325-4773 to speak with a nurse, even if you do not have any symptoms.
There were other possible measles exposures in these locations:
- Thursday, Oct. 17 – Air Canada Flight AC152 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fredericton International Airport, arrival at 4:56 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 17 – Fredericton International Airport arrivals between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
People who were on the Toronto-Fredericton flight or at the airport during those times should monitor themselves for symptoms and call 811 for further direction.
Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health, said anyone who was potentially exposed should check their immunization records.
“If you have symptoms, it is important that you self-isolate and contact Telecare 811 by telephone,” McKelvie said in a news release.
“Do not go to the emergency room, doctor’s office or clinic. You must contact Telecare 811 so that necessary measures can be put into place to prevent the spread to others because measles can spread very easily.”
The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications.
Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
While those born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, people born later who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated.