At least 30 cases of measles reported in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph’s medical officer of health explains how to protect yourself and your kids from measles.

Measles continues to spread throughout Ontario with dozens of cases reported within the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health area.

In a news release on Tuesday, public health said there have been 30 confirmed and probable cases of the illness within their jurisdiction as of April 22.

“I’m encouraging anyone who is not fully vaccinated to take action today,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, said in the release.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is not the only health unit reporting cases. Three additional cases have been reported in Waterloo Region, bringing the total number of cases in the area to 17. According to the most recent update from Public Health Ontario, Southwestern Public Health has 357 cases as of April 16 while Grand Erie Public Health has 135 cases.

Symptoms to watch out for

Anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus, even for a short time, is encouraged to monitor for symptoms. The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.

Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat and a red blotchy rash.

Other complications can include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can lead to brain inflammation and death.

Anyone who suspects they may have measles is encouraged to stay home and avoid contact with others. If seeking medical treatment, call your health provider ahead of time so they can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading to others.