Anyone who visited the Brantford General Hospital’s emergency department on July 21 or July 22 may have been exposed to chickenpox. Grand Erie Public Health put out a notice on Wednesday advising residents about the risk. They said people who visited the emergency department between 11:53 p.m. on July 21 and 2:48 p.m. on July 22 could have been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. “Since the introduction of routine vaccination, cases have become uncommon. Symptoms typically include fever, fatigue and an itchy rash that progresses to fluid-filled blisters. Symptoms usually develop 14 to 16 days after exposure,” the health unit said. Anyone who previously had the chickenpox or who received two doses of the varicella vaccine are protected against infection. Unvaccinated people, babies under one year of age, pregnant people who are not immune and people with weakened immune systems are considered at greater risk. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to watch for symptoms until Aug. 12. If a fever or rash develops, they should stay home and avoid contact with others and call their doctor or a clinic to arrange a safe time to visit for treatment. “Most adults over the age of 50 have previously been exposed to chickenpox and are considered immune. Individuals who are unsure of their immunity status or who may be at increased risk of complications are encouraged to consult their primary healthcare provider or contact the infectious disease team at Grand Erie Public Health at 519-753-4937, ext. 6440,” the public health unit said.
