We provide support and resources to healthcare providers across our district. See the following options for more information.
Measles
Measles is a Disease of Public Health Significance. All suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Health Unit. If you suspect or confirm a case of measles, report it immediately by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll-free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229.
With the sharp increase in measles cases in Canada, including a large outbreak in Ontario and multiple cases being confirmed in our region, we urge all health care facilities to review the immunization status of their health care workers to ensure they are protected against measles.
Immunizing Healthcare Workers |
According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, all healthcare workers should be immune to measles. Regardless of birth year, the criteria for measles immunity includes:
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By ensuring all healthcare workers are immune to measles, your facility can reduce the possibility of staff exclusion following exposure which will help maintain adequate staffing levels and minimize disruption in patient/resident care. Routine serologic testing to determine the immunity of healthcare workers without immunization records is generally not practical. If a healthcare worker reports incomplete immunization or lacks adequate documentation of immunization, they should be considered unimmunized and started on an immunization schedule appropriate for their age and risk factors. Measles-containing vaccine may be given regardless of possible previous receipt of the vaccine because additional adverse events associated with repeated immunization have not been demonstrated. Measles-susceptible healthcare workers should receive 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine (i.e., Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine), administered with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses. If a healthcare worker is exposed to a confirmed case of measles, and they do not meet the criteria for measles immunity, exclusion from the workplace is required from the 5th day after their first exposure to 21 days after their last exposure. If during this time, proof of immunity or documentation of previous infection is provided, they may return to work. Longer exclusion periods apply to those who receive immune globulin as post-exposure prophylaxis. Should you require further information, please contact your facility’s Public Health Nurse or the Health Unit’s Communicable Disease Control program at 705-474-1400, ext. 5229. |
Infection Prevention and Control |
The measles virus is spread by contact with respiratory particles through inhalation or contact with mucous membranes at short and long range (e.g., airborne). These particles can remain suspended and contagious in the air for up to two hours, depending on the number of air changes.
For additional IPAC information see:
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Laboratory Testing |
Diagnostic laboratory testing is essential for all suspected measles cases and should include both measles virus detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nasopharyngeal/throat swab AND urine as well as diagnostic serology. Ensure your office has specimen containers and supplies available for testing. Confirm the expiry dates on the specimen containers (e.g., swabs). Kits can be ordered from the Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL). Individuals who are tested for measles can be provided with the following resource: Measles Testing: A Quick Guide for Patients. |
Post Exposure Prophylaxis |
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves the timely administration of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or immunoglobulin (Ig) to susceptible individuals following measles exposure. Immunoglobulin is generally administered in hospital settings. The goals of PEP are to lower the risk of infection and reduce the severity of illness if measles infection occurs. For additional information see:
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More Resources |
Other Infectious Diseases
- Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program
- Visit this page for more information about infectious diseases
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
- COVID-19 information for Healthcare Providers, Hospitals and Long-Term Care
- Local Influenza Activity
- Tuberculin Skin Testing Guide
- Syphilis Infection Management