Ottawa Public Health confirms two measles cases in Outaouais residents linked to international travel

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is confirming two cases of measles from Outaouais residents after they were travelling abroad.

Dr. Laura Bourns, Ottawa’s associate medical officer of health, in a statement posted to OPH’s website, said the individuals went straight to the hospital when they returned to Canada.

OPH is contacting any Ottawa residents who were exposed to the cases.

“Secondary cases from this exposure could occur any time up until and including Oct. 30,” said the statement on OPH’s website

When OPH contacts anyone who has been exposed to measles, they are advised to:

• Verify their immunization records to determine if they are protected against measles. Vaccination or immunoglobulin are available for susceptible contacts.
• Seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of measles.
• Call ahead to the health care facility/practice and tell their health care provider that they have recently been exposed to measles.

Measles is considered contagious from one day before symptom onset (or four days before rash onset, whichever is longer) to four days after rash onset. The measles incubation period (from exposure to rash onset) is from seven to 21 days.

Typical symptoms include a prodome with fever, cough, conjunctivitis, coryza, and, possibly, small spots with white centers