Public Health investigating three cases of measles in the Halifax-area

HALIFAX, N.S. – Nova Scotia Public Health is investigating the cause of three confirmed cases of measles in the Halifax-area, the first reported cases in the province since 2008.

A news release from Nova Scotia Health Authority Tuesday afternoon said Public Health officials were following up with the three patients to see how they became infected and who they had been in contact with.

Dr. Trevor Arnason, Medical Officer of Health for the Halifax, Eastern Shore and West Hants area, said in the release that cases of measles are extremely rare in the province because of vaccination, with the last reported case in 2008.

The highly contagious viral illness usually lasts about two to three weeks with most people fully recovering, according to Arnason, but it can have serious complications for those more vulnerable like infants, pregnant women and those with already weakened immune system.

“While the risk to the general public is low at this point, it’s important to be aware of measles symptoms and to know what to do if you develop symptoms,” Dr. Arnason said in the release.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, sleepiness, irritability, small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat or a red blotchy rash on the face that further spreads.

Those experiencing symptoms are asked to contact their local Public Health office or call 811 for advice from a registered nurse.

Those who need to book an appointment with a health care provider are asked to call ahead to make sure they are prepared to see them, as special precautions are needed to protect other patients from being exposed.

The province also reminds resident born after 1970 are eligible to receive two doses of vaccine at no cost through the publicly funded immunization program and those who have not had both should schedule to do so.