The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit urges caution during March break due to rising measles cases in Ontario and abroad.
Four active cases have been reported in Ontario, with more in two other provinces.
Though Canada has eliminated measles, outbreaks occur when unvaccinated people travel.
Most cases involve unvaccinated children, but vaccinated cases are rising.
Symptoms include fever, rash, and watery eyes.
Vaccination is key, with two doses recommended for children under seven.
Dr. Natalie Bocking advises updating immunizations, especially before international travel this break.
“Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, some children have had delays of their routine childhood immunizations, which includes the MMR vaccination, and leaves them at risk of contracting measles,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and CEO for the HKPR District Health Unit. “With the rise in measles cases, we’d like to remind and encourage people to ensure all your immunizations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine, particularly before traveling internationally this March break.”
Routine immunizations, including measles, are available with your family doctor or those without a family doctor can book an immunization appointment with the HKPR District Health Unit by phone at 1-866-888-4577 x 1507 or online at Immunization Clinics | HKPR District Health Unit.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
