Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health confirms measles case

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Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has confirmed a new case of the measles and is warning residents about potential exposure to the illness in Guelph.

The health unit said someone from outside the region, who had measles, attended an event in Guelph in February. They did not share what the event was, or when and where it took place in the city.

Officials said they are contacting anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

“Measles is extremely contagious – particularly among unvaccinated people – and can be very dangerous, especially for infants under one year of age,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph’s medical officer of health and CEO, said in a news release on Monday. “With March Break on the horizon, it is important to be vigilant and protect yourself and your family.”

Measles symptoms

Symptoms of measles include a fever, red blotchy rash, red watery eyes and a cough, but it can also cause more serious complications including pneumonia and brain infections, leading to hospitalization.

Other symptoms can include ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory failure and encephalitis. Long-term complications can result in blindness, deafness and brain injuries.