N.S. child admitted to the IWK with measles

A child from northern Nova Scotia has been admitted to the IWK Health Centre with measles.

This marks the first hospitalization connected to the cluster of cases in that part of the province. Public Health says 44 people are now infected with measles in the area. 

The measles began to spread after someone travelled to another part of Canada with a known outbreak.

Public Health previously told CBC that those who are infected are largely unvaccinated. It won't say where the people live, only that they're in a small "limited" community and the risk of spread to the wider public is low. 

It says the family of the child called the IWK in advance and arrangements were made to ensure no one else was exposed to the contagious virus when they were admitted to the Halifax hospital. 

Public Health is asking anyone else who suspects they may be infected to do the same, and call their health-care provider in advance of seeking treatment.

The child's condition is stable, Public Health says. They did not reveal the child's age. 

Earlier in the week, Dr. Cristin Muecke, the regional medical officer of health for the northern zone, said some people may not realize they've been infected initially, because the telltale measles spots can take a few days to appear. 

She's continuing to urge people to make sure they're vaccinated to prevent further spread. 

It's assumed that anyone born before 1970 was exposed to the virus and has immunity. Those born between 1970 and 1996 need to get booster shots, as they were likely only given one dose when they were younger. Two shots are required for full immunity. 

Children 12 months old and up can get their first shots on the typical vaccine schedule in Nova Scotia, although those as young as six months can get their first dose if they'll be travelling to known areas with cases.