Measles case detected in Pictou County

Nova Scotia Health is investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles in Pictou County and suggests there could be more cases, with "additional contacts who are also ill with measles-like symptoms."

In a news release Monday, the health authority said the confirmed case is believed to be related to travel within Canada to an area with known measles cases. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread.

Public Health is contacting people who are known to have had close contact with the case "to ensure up-to-date immunization and identify further cases as quickly as possible."

While Nova Scotia Health believes exposures may be limited, it said anyone who was at the following locations may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms:

• Aberdeen Hospital emergency department in New Glasgow on Saturday, July 5, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• St. Martha's Regional Hospital emergency department in Antigonish on July 5 between 10:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

The release said anyone displaying symptoms should contact Public Health at 902-481-5824. Anyone who may have been exposed and is pregnant, immunocompromised or under 12 months old should contact Public Health immediately at 902-893-5820.

Nova Scotia Health said the risk of measles to the general population is considered low, since most people are protected by vaccination or because of a previous infection.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever.
• A red blotchy rash on the face that spreads down the body.
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes.
• Small white spots that may show up inside the mouth and throat.

Nova Scotia had its first confirmed case of measles in May.