Protect yourself and your children against measles Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is closely monitoring the ongoing measles outbreak in Quebec. As of this month, there have been 764 cases of measles in Quebec since April 3, 2011, making it the largest outbreak of measles in North America since 2002. About 11 per cent of these cases required hospital care. OPH is in close communications with the Direction de santé publique de l’Outaouais and as of today, no cases have been reported in the Outaouais region. As well, there are no reported cases of measles in Ottawa and OPH is taking measures to prevent an outbreak in this city. OPH is encouraging residents to: · Ensure you and your children have up-to-date MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine coverage. The publicly-funded MMR vaccine is required for all children attending licensed child care or school in Ontario, with some exceptions. Visit ottawa.ca/health for more information about immunization requirements for school registration.· Update your child’s immunization record online at ottawa.ca/health or by calling OPH at 613-580-6744, ext. 24108. You should contact OPH each time your child receives a vaccination to update their immunization record. Present outbreaks of measles are occurring in children and young adults who have not had the recommended number of doses of the vaccine. Immunization is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles and its serious complications. Measles is a very contagious disease which is easily spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms start with a high fever, runny nose, red eyes and a cough. A red rash starts on the face and head and then spreads to the body. Those who are sick can infect others during the four days before and the four days after the rash appears. Measles can cause complications such as an ear infection, brain infection, pneumonia and even death. About the measles vaccineRoutine childhood immunization consists of two doses of measles vaccine. This is provided as the MMR vaccine which also protects against mumps and rubella. The first dose of the vaccine is given on or after the first birthday. The second dose is now routinely given at 4 to 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is publicly funded and provided by physicians in the community. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are also recommended for young adults (18 to 25 years old), post secondary students, Health Care workers and those who plan to travel internationally. Most people born before 1970 have immunity because of exposure to the disease during childhood. Other adults born in 1970 or later should have at least one dose of the vaccine. Check your immunization records to make sure that your family, especially your children are protected against measles. If you have questions about whether or not your family is protected, call your family doctor or paediatrician, or OPH. For more information on Ottawa Public Health immunization services, please visit ottawa.ca/health You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information. read more..
