Health-care providers urge vigilance as more measles cases confirmed in Pictou County

Heath experts encourage awareness when making summer plans as four cases of measles are under investigation in Pictou County. 

Dr. Cristin Muecke, the regional medical officer of health for the northern zone, said there are three lab confirmed cases and one probable case in the area.

"This is still a localized situation," said Muecke. "None of the cases we've seen have been a surprise. They're all connected to each other."

Muecke said health authorities have been working to identify potential contacts.

Public Health is asking anyone at the following exposure sites to monitor for symptoms and get in contact if symptoms start:

• Aberdeen Hospital emergency department in New Glasgow on 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 2:15 p.m.

Muecke said people should make sure they are up to date on immunizations before any trips or gatherings this summer.

"Measles is one of the most contagious infections, so we see a high proportion of people getting infected if they are unprotected," said Muecke. 

At first, measles can present like a common cold. People can be contagious with the disease before telltale symptoms start.

These symptoms include fever, a red blotchy rash, and small white spots that may show up inside the mouth and throat. 

The disease is particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, young children and pregnant people. Measles can cause serious health issues and in the case of pregnancy, the disease can be transmitted to the fetus. It can be deadly in severe cases.

Measles is a low risk to the general public because most people are protected by vaccination or have immunity due to a previous infection, according to Nova Scotia Public Health. There have been five cases of measles in Nova Scotia this year, according to figures released this week.

Muecke said there has been a high uptake of vaccinations in the Pictou County region with measles vaccination clinics in New Glasgow getting a lot of visits.