Public Health continues to investigate growing number of measles cases in Northern Zone

Nova Scotia Health Public Health is confirming that there are now 30 total cases of measles in Northern Zone. Eight cases are lab-confirmed, and the remaining cases are considered confirmed based on their household exposure and classic symptoms.

This increase is expected because it is occurring within the 7 to 21-day period when secondary cases usually appear after exposure. Currently, new cases are mainly found in large households and specific, small communities with close contact. 

Public Health expects the number of cases to increase in the coming weeks. The risk to the general public is still considered low; most people are protected from measles by being vaccinated or from previous infection.

As of now, there are no new public exposure sites identified, and none of the current cases are linked to the previous public exposures at the Aberdeen and St. Martha’s Emergency Departments.

It is believed that these cases all stem from travel within Canada, to regions with known measles cases.

“We would like to thank the communities involved,” said Dr. Ryan Sommers, Senior Regional Medical Officer of Health, Nova Scotia Health Public Health. “The communities are being very careful to protect others, and we thank them for their ongoing cooperation with our Public Health teams while we support them and limit further spread.”

Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes
• Small white spots may also show up inside the mouth and throat
• A red blotchy rash on the face, which spreads down the body

For individuals with signs and symptoms of measles who potentially need medical care:

• Call 811 if you have questions about symptoms. A Registered Nurse can offer advice on whether you or the person you are calling about needs to seek medical care at that time.
• If you need to see a healthcare provider for assessment, such as your family doctor, call ahead to make sure they are prepared to assess you for measles. Measles is highly contagious and healthcare providers need to take special precautions to protect other patients and themselves from being exposed. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets, or airborne spread, when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Most people fully recover within two to three weeks. However, measles can have serious complications, which are more likely in infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.

The best protection against measles is vaccination. In Nova Scotia, every person born after 1970 should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine after their first birthday. 

Additional information about measles and how you can get immunized can be found at www.nshealth.ca/measles.