Huron Perth Public Health have identified six lab-confirmed cases of measles.
That could increase as more cases are pending lab results.
All cases were connected to the ongoing outbreak in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions, HPPH said in a media release on Thursday.
Huron and Perth are now considered areas of concern for measles.
Measles can easily spread to people who are not immune when someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus is airborne and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
HPPH strongly recommends residents make sure they and family members are up to date with measles vaccinations, which is the best way to protect against measles.
The majority of cases reported in the current outbreaks are unvaccinated.
Measles vaccine eligibility is now expanded to those who live, work, play, travel to, or worship within the Huron Perth Public Health region.
- Infants aged six months to 11 months are eligible to receive a first dose of measles-containing vaccine for earlier protection against measles. Typically, in Ontario, children receive their first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age.
- A second dose of measles-containing vaccine for children can be given before the age of four in consultation with your healthcare provider. Typically, in Ontario, children receive a measles booster dose between the ages of four and six – preferably before starting school.
- HPPH strongly recommends under-immunized children who are in school or childcare receive measles vaccine.
- Adults born in 1970 or after: Two doses of measles-containing vaccine are advised for adults born in and after 1970.
- Adults born before 1970 are generally considered protected against measles. Specific populations of adults born before 1970 (e.g., people who work in healthcare, members of the military) are advised to consult with their healthcare provider for measles-containing vaccine doses.
Vaccine clinics
Huron Perth Public Health will be holding measles vaccine clinics during March 10-15 to help families without a healthcare provider get up to date with their measles immunizations.
Clinic times and locations will be shared at www.hpph.ca/measles.
