Four more measles cases reported in region, North Bay Parry Sound health unit says

Health unit officials in North Bay and Parry Sound are reporting the first measles case in three decades.

After reporting the first new case in more than 30 years earlier this month, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit said four more people in the region have measles.

“All newly infected individuals are close contacts of the original case announced earlier this month and are not fully vaccinated against measles,” the health unit said in a news release Wednesday.

“They are currently self-isolating.”

Since all new cases are close contacts of the original case, Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, medical officer of health, said there’s no reason to think the virus is spreading.

“We continue to be in regular communication with the individuals and their close contacts to help keep our local risk level low,” Zimbalatti said in the news release.

“We appreciate how closely public health isolation recommendations have been followed by these individuals.”

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Individuals can reduce their risk by avoiding travel to high-risk areas and getting up to date with their measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Two doses recommended

“Two doses are recommended for individuals born in or after 1970,” Zimbalatti said.

“Most individuals born before 1970 have immunity from exposure in their childhood.”

Symptoms of measles can begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include runny nose, watery red eyes, cough, fever, and a rash spreading from the face to the rest of the body.

Long-term and more severe complications of measles can include vision or hearing loss, a brain or ear infection, pneumonia, an early birth (if pregnant), or in rare cases, death.

Individuals who are pregnant, under the age of five, immunocompromised, or not fully vaccinated against measles are most at risk of severe outcomes.

“The health unit will issue further communication if there is an increased risk to the public,” the news release said.

“Individuals can stay up to date with the local situation and check their immunization record.

Those looking to get up to date with their MMR vaccine are asked to contact their health-care provider, or the health unit at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252.