Eastern Ontario Health Unit confirms 2 cases of measles
First cases of the contagious virus in the region since Ontario outbreak began last fall
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has confirmed two cases of measles in the region, the first since an outbreak began in the province last October.
The two people contracted measles during travel outside the region and are in isolation, the EOHU said in a statement on Friday.
The two people are related and one was not vaccinated against measles, while the immunization status of the other is not known.
People who may have been exposed to these confirmed cases of measles have been contacted, the EOHU said, adding that the risk to the wider public remains low.
People, particularly those born in or after 1970, should check their vaccination record to ensure they are protected. Two doses of a measles vaccine are considered full protection.
"I am taking this opportunity to remind parents to make sure their children's routine immunizations are up to date, as immunizations are the best defence against measles. If you or your child are not up to date on your vaccinations, please contact your health-care provider to receive missing immunizations," said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU.
"The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and greatly decreases the chances of catching measles and bringing it home with you."
For more information, people in the region can contact the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The EOHU covers more than 5,000 square kilometres of eastern Ontario, serving approximately 200,000 people in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Prescott-Russell and the City of Cornwall. The EOHU does not include the City of Ottawa, which has its own health unit.