Brampton - Peel Public Health is reminding the public to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date after an individual contagious with measles inadvertently exposed other people to this illness. Individuals who were in The Credit Valley Hospital Emergency Department between 8:30 pm on May 22 and 7:30 am on May 23, 2012 may have been exposed to measles. Peel Public Health is working with the hospital to contact these people.

As a precaution, Peel Public Health is asking anyone born in or after 1970 who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine, and who was at The Credit Valley Hospital Emergency Department on these dates, to watch for symptoms of measles. Symptoms usually develop one to three weeks after exposure and may include cough, runny nose, fever, white spots in the mouth and red watery eyes that are sensitive to light. These symptoms are followed by a red rash.

Individuals who develop symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. It is important that they call the medical facility before arriving to advise that they may have been exposed to measles, in order to prevent further spread.

Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through the air from coughing and sneezing. A person with measles can infect others from four days before to four days after the appearance of a rash.

Most people who get measles are sick for about 10 days, and recover completely without treatment. However, measles can be more severe in infants and adults than in children. Complications from measles include pneumonia (lung infection), and encephalitis (swelling/inflammation of the brain). Pregnant women with measles can have premature delivery and miscarriages.

Individuals who think they may have been exposed to measles are encouraged to call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 . Visit http://www.peelregion.ca/health/ for more information about measles.