No Images? Click here MEDICAL ADVISORY: Heightened Surveillance for MeaslesIssued by: Gayane Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH, PhD, FRCPC, Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health Background Niagara Region Public Health has been advised of a laboratory confirmed case of measles that traveled to the Niagara region during their infectious period. Exposure locations on Dec. 15, 2018 between the hours of 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.:
Individuals who may have been to the above mentioned locations are being asked to watch for signs and symptoms and to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Post exposure prophylaxis Immune globulin IM or IV should be given to prevent or modify the course of measles in high-risk individuals (see below) within six days of exposure. For dosing recommendations, please refer to specific product monographs or NACI recommendations. IM or IV IG is stored in the blood bank and available at most hospitals. High-risk groups:
Measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure may provide some protection after exposure to measles, however in this particular case, that time window has passed. Therefore, we are recommending that you defer the vaccination for one month. Infection Prevention and Control Practices
For further information, please contact the Infectious Disease program at 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., after hours 905-984-3690. References: CCDR. Updated NACI recommendation for measles post-exposure prophylaxis. 2018. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/canada-communicable-disease-report-ccdr/monthly-issue/2018-44/issue-9-september-6-2018/article-7-naci-recommendation-pep.html. California Department of Public Health. Immune Globulin for Measles Postexposure Prophylaxis. 2017. Available from: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Immunization/IMM-MeaslesIGPEPQuicksheet.pdf. |