Measles Outbreak: Cause for Concern?

At Sheridan College on March 21st, there was a confirmed case of measles on campus. Since that outbreak, the infection spread to several other locations in Oakville. The Halton Region public health warned the public about the measles exposure and also reminded people to make sure they’re keeping up with their vaccinations. Luckily for GTA folks, the most recent measles case was at the Trafalgar Medical Clinic on March 28 and it doesn’t seem to have spread further since.

However, what this recent outbreak should have taught us is that it’s always important to keep informed. Let’s go through some of the basics of what the infection involves and how it can be spread. Measles is a contagious disease that can spread quite quickly, which is why it is important to do what you can to prevent it. According to Halton Public Health, infants under the age of 12, those born in 1970 who were not vaccinated as well as health care workers, military personnel, post-secondary students and travellers are most at risk when it comes to getting measles. It’s spread through breathes, coughs and sneezes and if you feel that you have the symptoms (i.e. cough, runny nose, slight fever, rash, white spots on the inside of the mouth, etc.) of measles, you are encouraged to call your health care provider before entering the office and notify them about your symptoms. 

The measles exposure in Oakville is a low risk situation which means that there isn’t much cause for concern at the moment. Measles is a disease where, when you get it, that experience will most likely be the last; you will not likely get it more than once. The best and most sure-fire way to prevent measles, however, is to get vaccinated. However, if you were born before 1970, you are actually less at risk of getting measles and may not have to get the vaccination. As for cures, measles do not require any sort of specific treatment, and most people are able to recover at home. We hope this helped shed some light on what measles actually involves- it’s important to know what to watch out for. 

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!