MEDICAL ADVISORY: Measles Preparedness
Issued by: Dr. Jessica Jackman, MD MPH FRCPC FACPM DipABLM, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Date: February 23, 2024
On Feb. 6, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a public health alert due to a global increase in measles cases. While there have been no measles cases reported in Niagara, there have been two recent lab-confirmed, travel-related cases in Ontario.
Measles is a highly transmissible, airborne virus. While measles is no longer considered endemic in Canada, outbreaks can happen when susceptible individuals travel and return from countries where measles is circulating. Due to
the rise of measles cases globally and international travel anticipated over March break, health care providers should consider measles in their differential diagnoses, particularly in returning travellers with a febrile illness and rash or other signs and symptoms of measles. Ensuring patients are up to date with their vaccinations, including measles containing vaccine, is important, particularly prior to travel.
Reporting Requirements
- Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, suspected or confirmed measles cases must be reported immediately to Niagara Region Public Health. Do not wait for lab confirmation. Contact the Infectious Disease Program at:
- 905-688-8248 ext. 7330
- Toll free: 1-888-505-6074
- Emergency after-hours: 905-984-3690
Recommended Testing for Suspected Measles Cases
Patients with suspected measles should be tested. Testing for measles diagnosis is performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – detected from nasopharyngeal swab / throat swab (collected within 7 days after onset of rash), and / or urine sample (collected within 14 days of rash onset and submitted in a sterile container).
To prevent delays in testing, please ensure all fields of the General
Test Requisition are completed including: the patient's full name, date of birth, health card number (must match the specimen label), test(s) requested, source and type of specimen, date of onset, date of collection, and legally authorized requester's name and address
Infection Prevention and Control Practices
Patients with suspected measles should be placed under airborne precautions and promptly isolated in a single room with negative air flow (airborne infection isolation room or AIIR) and the door closed. If you do not have an
AIIR, the patient should wear a surgical mask and be immediately placed in a single room with the door closed.
Only immune staff should provide care to suspect cases of measles
Ensure your
office has enough PPE for airborne precautions
Immunization
- Ensure all staff have either two doses of documented measles immunization OR documented laboratory evidence of immunity. This includes for individuals born prior to 1970, as per the Canadian Immunization Guide.
- Support patients in remaining up to date with all routine immunizations, especially in advance of upcoming travel
- Check immunization status when you are seeing a patient for any reason and offer vaccine if needed. See the publicly funded immunization schedule.
- Ensure your office has enough supply of MMR-containing
vaccine
More Information