The child is currently isolating at home and Hamilton Public Health is reaching out to known contacts in the city who may have been exposed to the virus. Also, Hamilton Public Health is looking at possible exposures outside the city.
While talking about the rise in the cases of measles globally, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Lew, said: “We are seeing a rise in measles cases around the world, and increased risk at home. Measles is a serious threat that is preventable with vaccination.
“We can combat the spread of measles through education, vaccination and vigilant public health measures.”
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a respiratory virus. It spreads easily to people that are not vaccinated against measles or those who have not previously had measles. Babies under one year, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are prone to severe complications.
Lew added: “All Hamiltonians should ensure that they are up to date on routine vaccinations including for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), particularly children who may have delayed routine vaccinations through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Measles symptoms start between 7 and 21 days after infection and they include high fever of not below 38.8°C (101°F), cough, runny nose, irritability, drowsiness, watery eyes, Koplik spots, red, blotchy rash and so on.
