Wellington County Faces Measles Outbreak

Guelph and Wellington County are grappling with a concerning increase in measles cases, with reports confirming 30 confirmed and probable cases as of April 22. This marks a drastic rise from just six cases reported earlier this month.

What You Need to Know About Measles

Measles is an incredibly contagious viral infection that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes. The symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a distinctive red, blotchy rash.

Measles Can Linger in the Air

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health warns that the measles virus remains active for up to two hours after an infected individual has left a space, heightening the risk of transmission. Just being in the same room—or even the same building—can put you at risk, especially as the virus can spread before symptoms appear.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination Immediately

Dr. Nicola Mercer, the Medical Officer of Health, is urging anyone not fully vaccinated to take immediate action. "Measles can have serious consequences, particularly for children and those with weakened immune systems. Two doses of the measles vaccine provide 99% protection against this virus," she stated in a recent press release.

First Case Traced to Outside Visitor

The region's first case was detected in early March, linked to an individual from outside the area who participated in an event in Guelph. Alarmingly, the trend isn't localized; the province has reported over 900 measles cases, with more than 100 new infections just last week.

Stay Informed and Protect Yourself!

As measles cases continue to rise, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and ensure their vaccinations are up to date to protect themselves and their communities from this dangerous outbreak.