OTTAWA — Ottawa Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles. In response, Renfrew County and District Health Unit will be investigating any potential contacts who reside in our area.
“Currently, we have no confirmed cases of measles in Renfrew County and District (RCD); and there are no suspect cases under investigation as of today,” said Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health.
RCD has some of the best immunization coverage in all of Ontario, with a 97.7% compliance rate for measles containing vaccine in our school aged population.
“This is excellent coverage and we are hoping that with our high immunization rates and geographic distance, this case in Ottawa will have limited impact on our residents,” Dr. Cushman said.
This is an opportunity for parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and that they are protected against measles. You can retrieve your child’s immunization record from their physician, using Immunizations Keep Ontarians Healthy (ICON) website (https://re.icon.ehealthontario.ca/#!/welcome) or by calling 613-735-8666, and speaking with a Public Health Nurse.
Staff at Renfrew County and District Health Unit will gladly respond to questions from the public regarding their immunization status and potential exposures to the measles virus.
“If you believe you have been exposed to the measles virus it is important that you contact your health care provider before going to their office or visiting the emergency department, as special precautions may need to be taken when you arrive, to ensure for the safety of the staff and other patients” says Courtney Trombley, Manager, Infectious Diseases.
