Health officials in Prince Edward Island have confirmed two cases of measles, the province’s first reported cases since 2013.
In a news release, P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Office said the two adults who tested positive had travelled together to an area in Canada where outbreaks continue.
Neither of the people had been immunized against the virus, and both have since recovered, the CPHO said.
Public health nursing is providing contacts of the two people with vaccinations as needed, and contact-tracing is underway. No public exposures have been identified at this time.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore eyes and a red rash that begins on the head and spreads down to the trunk and limbs. Serious complications can occur, such as blindness, viral meningitis or pneumonia — or even death, as was the case recently for two unvaccinated children in Texas.
The measles virus spreads through the air when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. It may also spread through direct contact with droplets from the nose and throat of a person who is infected, according to the CPHO’s news release.
The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is infected has left the space. Someone with measles is contagious for four days before the rash is noticeable, and for up to four days after the rash occurs.
Anyone who is not vaccinated and is considered a close contact of someone with measles will need to isolate for 21 days.
“We are working diligently to prevent further spread of measles within our community,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief public health officer.
“Vaccination is the most effective method of protection against measles. We encourage all Islanders to review their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is available at no cost through the provincial immunization program.”
People born before 1970 or who have had two doses of measles vaccine are considered immune.
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The CPHO’s current recommendations for vaccination:
Anyone living in P.E.I. who is not up to date with the measles vaccines is eligible to receive it free of charge. Islanders should call the nearest public health nursing office and speak with a nurse to find out if vaccinations are up to date.
Those experiencing symptoms of measles should call 811 or contact their primary care provider before visiting any health-care facility for treatment, to prevent spreading the virus to others.
