Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Public Health Notice: Measles brought back to Canada by travellers
Released: 25 March 2013
<!----><!-- START expandable header | DEBUT de l'en-tête extensible --><!-- More information
-->Why you should take note
Two Canadians --one from Ontario, the other from New Brunswick -- who had travelled outside Canada, became infected with measles. They were not vaccinated against the disease. The disease spread to two other New Brunswickers -- also not vaccinated against measles -- who were close contacts of one of the two individuals.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that, in rare cases, can cause serious illness, including brain damage, and even death.
Measles is relatively rare in Canada due to effective immunization programs; Canadians are reminded to keep their immunizations up-to-date.
Imported cases of measles occur because the disease is common in many countries. It is highly contagious and easily transmitted among people who have not been vaccinated against it.
The Canadians who contracted measles had stayed at a resort in Mexico, where it is likely they were infected by another traveller.
<!--The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (<abbr title="Canadian Food Inspection Agency">CFIA</abbr>) worked with FreshPoint Inc. to recall
any affected products.
-->
Symptoms / Signs
Symptoms of measles begin 7 to 18 days after infection and include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat. Then, 3 to 7 days after the start of the symptoms, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body. Complications can include diarrhea, pneumonia and infections of the brain.
<!-- More information about the epidemiological investigation is also available.
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="width70 alignCenter"> <thead> <tr class="bg-colour-grey-light"> <th>Province / Territory</th> <th>Total cases</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>New Brunswick</td> <td class="alignCenter">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nova Scotia</td> <td class="alignCenter">10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ontario</td> <td class="alignCenter">13</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total</td> <td class="alignCenter">30</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> -->
What you should do
Get immunized. Immunization is the best defense against measles and other vaccine preventable diseases.
If you have been in contact with someone who has contracted measles, or have recently travelled and you develop symptoms similar to measles when you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider. Describe your symptoms to your health care provider before your appointment, so that he/she can arrange to see you without exposing others to measles.
How to protect yourself
Measles can be prevented by immunization. Canadians are reminded to keep all vaccinations up-to-date. Ask your health care provider for more information about recommended immunization schedules for you and your children (adults born in or after 1970 should ensure that they have received two doses of the vaccine that prevents measles). For information on areas where measles is common or where large outbreaks are occurring, visit Measles: Global Update.
Additional information
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/measles-0325-eng.php
Released: 25 March 2013
<!----><!-- START expandable header | DEBUT de l'en-tête extensible --><!-- More information
-->Why you should take note
Two Canadians --one from Ontario, the other from New Brunswick -- who had travelled outside Canada, became infected with measles. They were not vaccinated against the disease. The disease spread to two other New Brunswickers -- also not vaccinated against measles -- who were close contacts of one of the two individuals.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that, in rare cases, can cause serious illness, including brain damage, and even death.
Measles is relatively rare in Canada due to effective immunization programs; Canadians are reminded to keep their immunizations up-to-date.
Imported cases of measles occur because the disease is common in many countries. It is highly contagious and easily transmitted among people who have not been vaccinated against it.
The Canadians who contracted measles had stayed at a resort in Mexico, where it is likely they were infected by another traveller.
<!--The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (<abbr title="Canadian Food Inspection Agency">CFIA</abbr>) worked with FreshPoint Inc. to recall
any affected products. -->
Symptoms / Signs
Symptoms of measles begin 7 to 18 days after infection and include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat. Then, 3 to 7 days after the start of the symptoms, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body. Complications can include diarrhea, pneumonia and infections of the brain.
<!-- More information about the epidemiological investigation is also available.
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="width70 alignCenter"> <thead> <tr class="bg-colour-grey-light"> <th>Province / Territory</th> <th>Total cases</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>New Brunswick</td> <td class="alignCenter">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nova Scotia</td> <td class="alignCenter">10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ontario</td> <td class="alignCenter">13</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total</td> <td class="alignCenter">30</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> -->
What you should do
Get immunized. Immunization is the best defense against measles and other vaccine preventable diseases.
If you have been in contact with someone who has contracted measles, or have recently travelled and you develop symptoms similar to measles when you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider. Describe your symptoms to your health care provider before your appointment, so that he/she can arrange to see you without exposing others to measles.
How to protect yourself
Measles can be prevented by immunization. Canadians are reminded to keep all vaccinations up-to-date. Ask your health care provider for more information about recommended immunization schedules for you and your children (adults born in or after 1970 should ensure that they have received two doses of the vaccine that prevents measles). For information on areas where measles is common or where large outbreaks are occurring, visit Measles: Global Update.
Additional information
- For general information on measles, please visit Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Measles
- Immunization information for parents can be found here: Immunize your Child: What you need to know about measles
- A Travel Health measles fact sheet is available here: Travel Health Fact Sheet: Measles
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/measles-0325-eng.php