The Sudbury & District Health Unit is reminding residents of the importance of making sure that routine immunizations are up to date. The reminder is issued now because of the recent cases of measles diagnosed throughout Canada, with the latest cases reported in the Hamilton area.

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infections and can also cause serious complications. It is spread easily through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing, “said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health. “The good news is that routine childhood vaccination protects against measles infection. People who are unsure or not up to date with their immunizations should speak with their health care provider or public health unit.”

While the measles virus is rare in Canada, cases related to travel do occur and can put the local population at risk. Infants under one year of age who are not yet eligible for vaccination and those who cannot receive vaccine due to medical or other reasons are still very susceptible to infection.The virus is contagious from one day before the start of respiratory symptoms and until four days after the rash first appears.

Measles vaccine is free of charge and is available through health care providers as well as through all Sudbury & District Health Unit office locations.

More about the measles:

•Measles starts with cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and fever, and after about four days a rash begins on the face and moves down the body.

•There may be white spots inside the mouth.

•Measles spreads easily to persons who are not immune.

•Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.

•Complications of measles can include middle ear infections, pneumonia, croup, and inflammation of the brain.

•Persons who have not had two doses of a measles vaccine, or those who have not had measles infection in the past are at risk.