Outaouais public health authority CISSSO is warning residents of a potential measles exposure that occurred at a Gatineau farm in late April.
In a May 2 press release, CISSSO said two people visiting Éco des champs farm, located at 482 chemin Eardley, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Apr. 20 were later diagnosed with measles.
While CISSSO said the risk of exposure is relatively low because the people were outdoors, it wants to ensure that people are properly protected.
People who were potentially exposed to measles are asked to monitor their symptoms until May 11 for a fever of over 38.8 degrees celsius or 101 degrees fahrenheit, cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis (red, light-sensitive eyes) and redness on the skin that starts on the face and spreads to the entire body.
According to the statement, proper protection from measles means having two doses of the measles vaccine or being born prior to 1970.
If symptoms develop, CISSSO recommends staying home and avoiding contact with children younger than 12 months old, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. It also recommends people consult a doctor quickly, but only after notifying the clinic ahead of time of the reason for the visit.
Most people who were exposed at the farm in Gatineau have been notified by the health department. If you are presenting symptoms, you are also asked to bring the letter notifying you of exposure to the doctor.
“Since the measles outbreak began in Quebec and Ontario, no cases of measles have been confirmed in the Outaouais region,” the statement reads, translated from French. “We remind the public that although the outbreak is over in Quebec, cases of measles may occur and it is important to ensure protection.”
