Latest news with #GuardianKennetcookPharmacy
CBC
30-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
2 new exposure sites identified as measles cluster grows in N.S.
Social Sharing There are five more cases of measles in Northern Nova Scotia, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 35. Public Health expected the number to rise, and said these new cases are all connected. It also won't give specifics about the location of the patients, only that they're in Northern Nova Scotia. The first infection started after travel to a part of Canada with a known measles outbreak, and those who are sick live within a "limited community," said Dr. Cristin Muecke, the regional medical officer of health for the Northern Zone. "We're certainly hoping that we see a turnaround and a drop in numbers very soon," she said. Muecke said some people have needed treatment, but no one has been hospitalized. "We haven't seen any spread beyond that [population] and the reason for that of course is that the majority of our population in Northern Zone is well vaccinated," she said. "The folks that are impacted have been doing a really great job themselves trying to limit spread outside of that group." 2 new exposure sites The update also came with the addition of two new possible exposures from earlier in July. The first is at the Cobequid Community Health Centre in Lower Sackville on Sunday, July 6. That is specifically for the waiting area of the mobile primary care clinic and the blood collection waiting room. There was also a possible exposure at the Guardian Kennetcook Pharmacy on July 3 and 6. Muecke says there was a delay in reporting those exposures because the patient didn't know they had measles and were contagious when they visited the sites. "The natural history of a measles infection is that the first couple of days, it looks and feels essentially like a common cold. The characteristic rash typically only appears on day three to four." Muecke says there has been strong turnout for vaccines this year, especially among those born between 1970 and 1996. It's recommended that people in that age range go get a booster, because they were likely only given one shot, not two when they were initially immunized. It's assumed that anyone born before 1970 has natural immunity after being exposed, but Public Health says there's no harm in getting a booster shot. Babies in Nova Scotia receive their first shot at 12 months, but public health says if they are travelling outside of Canada or to areas with outbreaks, they can receive a dose when they're as young as six months old.
CTV News
30-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
35 measles cases confirmed in northern N.S., public warned of two more exposure sites
A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins Nova Scotia Health is warning the public of two additional measles exposure sites as it confirms 35 total cases in the province's northern zone. Public Health says eight of the cases are lab-confirmed, and the other cases are considered confirmed based on their household exposure and symptoms. The agency initially reported a single case on July 7 in the northern zone, with two possible exposure sites. The number of cases in the region increased to 30 last week. Officials have determined there were two additional public exposure sites related to the investigation: Guardian Kennetcook Pharmacy on July 3 and July 6. Cobequid Community Health Centre Mobile Primary Care Clinic and Blood Collection Waiting Room on July 6. This location does not include the emergency department. Public Health says those who get sick after a measles exposure usually start to show symptoms within seven to 21 days. 'Because these exposures happened more than 21 days ago, those who were exposed and who have had no symptoms are no longer at risk of getting measles from this exposure,' reads a Wednesday news release from Nova Scotia Health. 'However, those who were present for an exposure AND developed symptoms within 7-21 days are asked to call Public Health at 902-481-5824.' Public Health says it will help arrange for testing. What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious health issues or even death. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Initial symptoms of measles include: fever cough runny nose red, watery eyes small, white spots, which may appear inside the mouth and throat two to three days after symptoms begin. More severe cases of measles can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, swelling of the brain, blindness, deafness and brain injury. Measles vaccine Nova Scotians born after 1970 should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine after their first birthday. People can receive vaccinations from their routine vaccine provider, including family doctor, nurse practitioner, primary care pharmacist, public health office and special measles clinics. The vaccine is free. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
