Health officials confirm measles case in Kingston, Ont. area

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is warning of potential exposures after detecting a case of measles in the Kingston, Ont. area.

The health unit says four instances of potential measles exposures have been identified in the city between March 29 and April 3.

The first exposures were reported at Duncan McArthur Hall at 511 Union St. on March 29 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on March 30 between 11 a.m. at 10 p.m.

A third potential exposure was detected on a Megabus travelling from Kington to Scarborough on March 31 between 4:35 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

A fourth was reported at the Hotel Dieu Hospital Urgent Care Centre at 166 Brock St. on April 3 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Health officials say anyone who was at any of those locations should check their vaccination records to ensure protection from measles. They should also monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure date, even if vaccinated.

Symptoms of measles start between seven to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever, cough, runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (pink eye or conjunctivitis)
• Red blotchy rash

“If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not go to work, school or daycare. Call your health-care provider before visiting to let them know you may have measles and need special precautions,” SEHU said in a news release Sunday.

Those born before 1970 would likely have had measles as a child and are protected. If you are not vaccinated or have had only one dose of measles vaccine, you are eligible for vaccination through SEHU and primary care clinics.

Anyone with an infant under 12 months of age during exposure, is pregnant and unvaccinated, unsure of their immunity to measles, or is immunocompromised should contact Kingston’s SEHU office immediately.

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of severe complications, including brain inflammation and even death,” SEHU says.

Health officials are also investigating possible measles exposures in Renfrew County in the communities of Cobden and Petawawa. No cases have been confirmed in Ottawa.

Call your health-care provider before visiting to let them know you may have measles and need special precautions.

You can also call SEHU’s Kingston office at 613-549-1232.