Second linked-measles case confirmed; additional potential exposure sites in identified in Digby

Saturday, March 25, 2017 - 02:05PM

HALIFAX, N.S. – Public Health’s investigation of a travel-related measles case is continuing, with a second linked case now confirmed.

“This second measles case is linked to the case identified last week,” says Dr. Lynda Earle, medical officer of health for South West, South Shore and Annapolis Valley. “It’s quite a contagious virus, so not unusual that we would have more cases identified and through public awareness and our contact tracing, we’re aiming to keep that number down.”

Risk to the general public remains low and most people are protected from measles infection by being vaccinated.

All current cases have been young adults. Investigation of confirmed cases has included notifying some organizations and businesses so that they can help share information with their staff and clients about measles symptoms and what to do if symptoms develop.

People at the following locations in Digby, on the dates specified, may have been exposed to measles:

  • Dockside Restaurant, Digby – March 17
  • Roof Hound Brewing Company, Digby – March 17 and March 18
  • Sunset Pub, Digby – March 17

Those exposed at the above locations may develop symptoms between now and April 11, 2017.

Symptoms of measles include:

  • fever, cough, runny nose
  • red eyes
  • a red blotchy rash on the face, which spreads down the body
  • sleepiness
  • irritability (feeling cranky or in a bad mood)
  • small white spots may also show up inside the mouth and throat

If you have symptoms of measles, you should:

  • Call Public Health at 1-844-856-3677.
  • Call 811 for advice from a registered nurse.
  • If you need to see a healthcare provider for assessment, such as your family doctor, please call ahead.

Health care providers need to take special precautions to protect other patients from being exposed.

Measles is a viral illness and most people fully recover within two to three weeks. However, measles can have serious complications, which are more likely in infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Public Health has been directly notifying others such as family members and friends who are known to have had close contact with the case. These two cases are not linked to the outbreak that affected seven people in the province last month.

Nova Scotia residents born after 1970 are eligible to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine at no cost through the publicly funded immunization program. Individuals who have not had two doses of measles-containing vaccine should arrange immunization through their primary care provider as per the NS Immunization Schedule.

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Media Contact:

Kristen Lipscombe
Direct: 902-478-9736
Provincial Media Line: 1-844-483-3344