Measles exposure at QEII Halifax Infirmary, total cases reach 61

The QEII Halifax Infirmary had a measles exposure earlier this week.

There have been more than 60 measles cases in Nova Scotia in the last two months, with the latest cases detected at the QEII Halifax Infirmary.

Nova Scotia Public Health says there was a public exposure at the Infirmary’s emergency department from 10:45 p.m. on Sunday to 1:20 a.m. on Monday, and at diagnostic imaging (general imaging and ultrasound) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

“It is important to note that anyone who may have been at an exposure site during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old should contact Public Health immediately (902-481-5824),” a news release reads.

Public Health says 61 total cases in the province are now directly connected to cases announced in July and August. Many of the cases have been found in large households and specific, small communities.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with droplets or by airborne spread. Most people fully recover within two-to-three weeks.

Measles symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red eyes
• small white spots
• a red blotchy rash that spread from the face to the body

In Nova Scotia, every person born after 1970 should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine after their first birthday.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page