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  2. Statement: Risk of Exposure to Measles

Statement: Risk of Exposure to Measles

On March 18th, Toronto Public Health identified the second travel-related case of measles in Toronto this year. Today, they have been alerted to an additional risk of exposure related to the case that may affect Toronto Centre residents. 

Toronto Public Health advises that those who attended the Mom and Babies program at the St. James Town Public Library or visited the Wellesley Community Centre from 1:00PM to 5:30PM on Friday, March 15th take the following precautions:

  1. Call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 immediately if you have a compromised immune system.
    Individuals with weakened immune systems, including young children and pregnant people, can receive immune globulin, a medication that could prevent or reduce severity of an infection, within six days of an exposure.
  2. Check your vaccination record to ensure protection against measles.
    Anyone born in 1970 or later requires two doses of a measles vaccine or proof of immunity through a blood test. Those born before 1970 are considered immune, as measles was widely circulating at that time. However, those unsure if they had a previous measles infection are encouraged to get one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for protection.
  3. Monitor for symptoms until April 5th.
    Measles symptoms can arise up to 21 days after the initial exposure. They can include a high fever, cold-like symptoms, cough, runny nose, small spots with white centres that appear inside the mouth, sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and a red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. If symptoms arise, do not attend work or school and seek medical care promptly. Even those vaccinated against measles should monitor for symptoms.

As Chair of the Board of Health, I urge all residents - not just those who may be affected by this case - to check their measles vaccination status. Measles is a highly contagious disease, but vaccination is very effective in preventing its spread.

All Ontarians are eligible for free measles vaccination. School-aged children can catch up on their routine vaccinations by booking an appointment with their primary healthcare provider or by attending a TPH community clinic. At the same time, the vaccine is free for adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let's work together to keep our community healthy.

Yours in service,

Chris Moise
City Councillor
Ward 13 - Toronto Centre

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