As the number of measles cases continue to rise in Ontario, there is a warning about a third public exposure in North Bay.
North Bay hospital is warning that people who were there last week might have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
People who walked the hallways and lobby of the east main entrance or visited the retail pharmacy at North Bay Regional Health Centre between 4:30 p.m. April 1 and midnight April 3, may have been exposed, the health unit said in a news release Wednesday night.
The hospital is working with the health unit to identify people who had contact with the infected person but said they won’t be able to trace everyone.
Individuals who were exposed may be at risk if they are under 12 months old, an immunocompromised or unvaccinated person or haven’t previously had measles.
Those meeting the above criteria are asked to call 705-707-1455 to discuss the next steps.
“Most people born before 1970 are immune to measles,” the health unit said, as are people with two doses of the measles vaccine.
Symptoms can take time to appear and include an oral fever of more than 38.3 C, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
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“Individuals who suspect they have measles based on these symptoms, especially those who were exposed, are urged to isolate immediately by staying home, avoiding contact with others, and contact their local clinic or hospital by phone to arrange testing,” the health unit said.
No confirmed spread at this time
“At this time, there are no confirmed cases among hospital employees, patients or physicians, and we are taking measures to reduce any further risk to anyone who visits our facilities,” said Joanne Laplante, the hospital’s vice president, clinical and chief nursing executive in the news release.
“We ask that anyone who is experiencing measles symptoms and needs to receive care at the hospital, call us in advance (705.474.8600 x. 0) so we can prevent spreading the virus to our patients, employees and other visitors.”
The virus is airborne and can remain on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left.
“More than 90 per cent of exposed individuals who are not protected against measles will get infected,” the health unit said.
“It begins with common symptoms such as a cough and fever, but can potentially lead to serious long-term health complications, including vision or hearing loss, a brain infection, pneumonia, an early birth (if pregnant), or in rare cases, can be fatal.”
Other local public exposures
Last month, health officials warned the public about two other exposures.
On March 29, a person infected with measles was at the Northgate Shopping Centre and Northland Bus Terminal in the city.
People can check their immunization records online.
CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca reported the first case of measles in the North Bay Parry Sound districts on March 7. It was the first case in 30 years and involved an unvaccinated adult.
