Algoma Public Health is warning of another potential exposure to measles in its region.
Saying it's investigating a potential exposure location, the health unit's warning those who attended Thessalon's Great Canadian Dollar Store between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm last Thursday, June 26th to monitor for symptoms, check your vaccination records, and contact your healthcare provider.
Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.
APH previously warned of possible exposure on an Ontario Northland bus from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th, linking that trip to a case of measles in Central Algoma - the first reported in the region.
While most people born before 1970 are considered immune from natural exposure, those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection - as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed" - whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
