If a healthcare provider sees a suspected measles case, they are required by law to report it to NS Public Health. NS will continue to promote vaccination and improve access to vaccination. Mobile units developed during covid are working to provide access to vaccine throughout NS.
Nova Scotia has had sporadic incidents of measles before that did not lead to spread. PSAs coming from NS Health will include information on what to do if you were exposed. Health care providers have been alerted, rapid testing pathways have been established.
Dr. Strang expects more cases of measles related to travel. He says measles cases are rising because of non-scientific information sharing. There are vaccination gaps in NS, and more needs to be done people are fully vaccinated says Strang.
If you're travelling outside of Canada with an infant 6-11 months of age, Dr. Strang says they highly recommend those children get an early vaccination. Vaccines available at family doctors, pharmacy clinics, and special clinics being held in community.
If you aren't sure about vaccine status, get one or two doses. Dr. Strang says there is no harm or risk. Any child born in 1996 or later, they will have been offered two doses. Anyone before 1970, you may have been exposed and have natural immunity, but if travelling outside of Can, get single dose.
Strang says vaccine is very safe and very effective. Asking Nova Scotians to ensure they're vaccinated. They've had 2000 people come forward to get vaccines in the last few weeks. Anyone born in NS between 1970 and 1995, you were offered one dose as a child. You should get a second vaccine.
This person was vaccinated with one dose as a child, but Dr. Strang says people now need two doses, and the change was made in 1996. Because the virus is so infectious, people need two doses to be protected. 95% of the population needs that vaccination level, or population becomes vulnerable.
Dr. Strang notes the area where the person travelled in the US did NOT have a known outbreak. Every province and territory has now had a case related to travel, but no substantive spread. Even Ontario outbreak has been within recognized communities with low rates of vaccination.
PSAs will be rolled out later today. There was a short exposure Sunday night at QEII Hospital Emergency. Some exposures also at a downtown hotel, bar and restaurant. Dr. Strang says Nova Scotians should not be alarmed, and the best defense is vaccination.
Measles update from #NS: Dr. Robert Strang confirms the province has it's first case of measles in an adult in the Halifax area. They person was vaccinated, travelled to the US and came back ill. Dr. Strang says this is expected and the province is well prepared. Contact tracing underway.
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