Saturday, March 09, 2013
Important Reminder for Ontarians to Have Vaccinations Up to Date
Ontario's Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robin Williams, is advising Ontarians to be sure that their and their family's vaccinations are up to date. This is even more important when families are travelling.
This reminder is prompted by a notice from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) who confirmed a measles case in Ontario that was linked to recent travel to a resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
According to Dr. Williams, "Although measles has become an uncommon disease in Ontario, it is highly contagious and can be very serious. The best protection is to keep your immunizations up to date."
Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. If you suspect that you have, or a member of your family has, measles, contact a health care provider immediately. Make sure to call ahead and let the health care provider know you are coming and that you suspect measles. This will allow them to take precautions in their office or clinic.
Quick Facts
- On average, it takes about 10 days for symptoms to start after exposure to the measles virus; however, that period can range from seven to 18 days.
- Measles can lead to complications including middle ear infection, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, hearing loss, brain damage, and in severe cases, death.
- Ontario offers 14 different vaccines through its publicly-funded immunization program, protecting against 17 preventable diseases.
Media Contacts
David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416-314-6197
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