A child from the Brantford area has recently been diagnosed with measles, as reported by the Brant County Health Unit.
According to Dr. Rebecca Comley, the medical officer of health for BCHU, the child is believed to have contracted the virus during a recent trip to Europe and is currently hospitalized.
This marks the third travel-related measles case in Ontario. One case was identified in Mississauga on Feb. 13, followed by another involving an infant hospitalized in Toronto three days later.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer, issued a memo to local public health units warning of a potential increase in cases, citing a global rise in measles instances.
BCHU is reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus at specific locations and times, including Lufthansa Flight 6584 from London Heathrow to Pearson International Airport on Feb. 23 and various hospital emergency departments.
The agency emphasized that there have been no exposures linked to schools. Hamilton Public Health Services is also involved due to the patient’s presence in Hamilton.
Measles is highly contagious, transmitted through airborne droplets and direct contact. Symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue.
Vaccination is crucial for prevention, with the measles vaccine being 99% effective after two doses. BCHU advises individuals to check their immunization records and consult healthcare providers if unsure.
Symptomatic individuals are urged to avoid work or school and seek medical advice promptly. The contagious period spans four days before and after rash onset, with symptoms typically appearing within 10 days of exposure and lasting up to two weeks.
