Nova Scotia Health Investigating Lab-Confirmed Case of Measles in Pictou County

Nova Scotia Health is currently investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles in Pictou County, with concerns that there may be additional cases due to “additional contacts who are also ill with measles-like symptoms.”

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

Public Health officials are reaching out to individuals who are known to have had close contact with the case in order to ensure that they are up-to-date with their immunizations and to identify any further cases as quickly as possible.

While Nova Scotia Health believes that exposures may be limited, they have advised anyone who was at the following locations to watch out for symptoms as they may have been exposed:

• 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 2:15 p.m.

If anyone displays symptoms, they are urged to contact Public Health at 902-752-5151. Pregnant individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or infants under 12 months old who may have been exposed are advised to contact Public Health immediately at the same number.

Nova Scotia Health has stated that the risk of measles to the general population is considered low, as most individuals are either protected by vaccination or have previously been infected.

Common 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 appear inside the mouth and throat.

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