First measles case recorded in Middlesex-London region, health officials say
For the first time in a year, the London region has recorded a lab-confirmed case of the measles.
"The individual was likely exposed while visiting a neighbouring jurisdiction," health officials said. "All individuals in the Middlesex-London region exposed to the case have been notified."
The last time the region covered by the Middlesex-London Health Unit recorded a lab-confirmed case of the measles was March 2024.
The health unit didn't specify if the person who has measles lived in London or in Middlesex County, how old the person was, or if he or she was vaccinated against the disease.
"Middlesex-London Health Unit is working with the province and neighbouring health units to minimize the transmission of measles in Southwestern Ontario," Dr. Alex Summers, the region's medical officer of health said in a statement.
"Although the transmission of measles within Middlesex-London is currently limited, it is critical that everyone takes this opportunity to ensure they are immune to this virus."
Measles — and disinformation about vaccines against it — are spreading
4 days ago
Duration 2:44
As disinformation about vaccines continues to spread, a virologist and a pediatrician share the importance of getting vaccines to prevent the spread of harmful diseases like polio and measles.
Two doses of the measles vaccine, listed as MMR or MMRV in most health records, provides nearly 100 per cent immunity from the highly contagious virus.
Most of the cases in surrounding Southwestern Public Health region, which includes Elgin and Oxford counties as well as St. Thomas and Woodstock, have been in unvaccinated children.
Symptoms of measles may include:
• Fever, cough and runny nose
• Red and irritated eyes
• Small white, grey or blue spots in the mouth
• Red, blotchy rash (which is the last symptom to appear)
The Health Unit asks that anyone who thinks they have measles isolate at home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
If medical care is required, people are asked to call ahead so health providers can take the necessary precautions in place.
"Measles is very contagious and spreads through droplets in the air. One infected person can easily and unknowingly spread the virus to an entire room of people," health officials said.
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Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. People born before 1970 are presumed to have been exposed to measles and likely to have some immunity, she says. But if people were born in 1970 or later and really have no idea if they were vaccinated, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases, Tam says. 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