Health officials in Prince Eduardo Island have confirmed two cases of measles, the first cases reported in the province since 2013.
In a press release, PEI’s main public health office said that the two adults who had positive had traveled together to an area in Canada where the outbreaks continue.
None of the people had been immunized against the virus, and both have recovered, said the CPHO.
Public health nursing is providing contacts of the two people with vaccines as necessary, and the contact layout is underway. No public exhibitions have been identified at this time.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, pain of pain and a red eruption that begins in the head and extends to the trunk and limbs. Serious complications, such as blindness, viral meningitis or pneumonia, or even death can occur, as was the case for two children not vaccinated in Texas.
The measles virus extends through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or speaks. It can also be extended through direct contact with the drops of the nose and throat of an infected person, according to the press release of the CPHO.
The measles virus can remain in the air or on the surfaces up to two hours after an infected person has left the space. Someone with measles is contagious for four days before the eruption is remarkable, and up to four days after the eruption occurs.
Anyone who is not vaccinated and considered a close contact of someone with measles will need to isolate for 21 days.
“We are working diligently to avoid a greater spread of measles within our community,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, director of Public Health of the province.
“Vaccination is the most effective protection method against measles. We encourage all islanders to review their immunization records and ensure that they are up to date with the measles vaccine, papers and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is available at no cost through the provincial immunization program.”
People born before 1970 or who have had two doses of measles vaccine are considered immune.
Ontarium vaccination efforts are being increased as health officials call 2025 the worst year for measles in Canada, since the disease was declared eliminated in 1998, with more than 900 cases confirmed throughout the country.
The current recommendations of the CPHO for vaccination:
- Adults born before 1970 are considered to have acquired natural immunity and do not require the vaccine. Any person traveling outside Canada should receive a dose of measles vaccine.
- Adults born in 1970 or after they have not had measles, nor have they received two doses of vaccine, should receive two doses.
- Regardless of age, students entering postsecundaria education, health workers and military personnel should receive two doses if they have no evidence of having measles and no documentation of having received two doses of the vaccine.
Anyone living in Pei who is not up to date with measles vaccines is eligible to receive it for free. The islanders must call the nearest public health nursing office and talk to a nurse to find out if the vaccines are updated.
Those who experience measles symptoms should call 811 or communicate with their primary care provider before visiting any medical care center to receive treatment, to avoid the propagation of the virus to others.
New Brunswick experienced a measles outbreak of 50 cases as of November 2024, but the authorities said in January that it had been declared.
There are no current cases of measles in Nueva Scotia, and only one case has been confirmed in the last five years. Officials are observing the situation in other provinces and countries closely, and taking measures to ensure that people have the opportunity to vaccinate if they are eligible, and know the risks before traveling.
