Ontarians Reminded to Check Vaccinations Before Travelling
July 5, 2013 10:00 a.m.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Ontario's Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Graham Pollett, is urging Ontarians and their families to ensure their vaccinations for measles are up to date. The summer season is a popular time for travel, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date should be a part of everyone's vacation planning - especially if travelling with young children.
In the last few weeks, cases of measles have been confirmed in Ontario, British Columbia and, more recently, Prince Edward Island. Most of these individuals are suspected to have contracted measles while travelling. The disease occurred in people who were not up-to-date with their vaccinations.
Unvaccinated travelers are at risk when visiting countries or areas where measles continue to occur, or when travelling through an international airport where they can come into contact with persons from countries where measles is prevalent.
Measles is a serious airborne infectious disease that spreads very easily from person to person. It is passed from an infected person to others through coughing, sneezing and even talking. It can be spread by someone who does not appear ill. Measles affects all age groups and can be prevented by a vaccine. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are required to be protected.
Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. If you suspect that you or a member of your family has measles, contact a health care provider immediately.
If you suspect that you have measles, make sure to call ahead and let the health care provider know you are coming for an appointment. This will allow them to take precautions in their office or clinic.
Quick Facts
•Measles can lead to complications including middle ear infection, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, hearing loss, brain damage and, in severe cases, death.
•Once you come in contact with measles, it takes about 14 days, on average, for the rash to develop, but may take as long as 21 days. A person with measles is able to spread infection from four days before to four days after the onset of a rash.
•The disease is more severe in infants and those with weakened immune systems.
•Ontario offers 21 different vaccines, including a measles-containing vaccine, through its publicly funded immunization program, protecting against 16 preventable diseases.
Quotes
“While measles is an uncommon disease today in Ontario, experience shows us that diseases can quickly return when fewer people are immunized. The best way to protect yourself is to keep your vaccinations up to date.”
Dr. Graham Pollett
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health
Media Contacts
David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontarinullo.ca/health-news
416-314-6197