(RCDHU photo)
Renfrew County and District Health Unit is warning of a potential measles exposure in our region.
The date of the potential exposure is March 29 and specific sites include Veteran’s Park in Cobden (11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.); the Ontario Northland Bus from Veteran’s Park in Cobden to the bus terminal in North Bay (noon to 3:15 p.m), and Pronto, 3520 Petawawa Blvd. in, Petawawa, around 1 p.m.
Officials say any local residents who think they may have been exposed at the above locations during the identified exposure times are asked to monitor for symptoms of measles until April 19. Symptoms of measles include: high fever, cough, runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a red rash that typically starts on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs.
Health experts say that if you are immunized, it is very unlikely you will develop the disease.
If you have been exposed and develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school. Call your healthcare provider before being seen so that additional precautions can be taken.
Renfrew County and District residents who believe they have been exposed should check their immunization status.
Anyone who has been exposed, was born in 1970 or later, and who does not have two doses of measles vaccine should call RCDHU at 613-732-3629 extension 0, or 1-800-267-1097 extension 0.
For more information on measles and how to protect yourself, visit the RCDHU Measles webpage.
(Sherry Haaima)