NSHA release:

Nova Scotia Health Public Health is confirming new measles cases linked to Northern Zone. There are now 61 total cases directly connected to the cases announced in July and August.

The new cases continue to be mainly found in large households and specific, small communities with close contact.

The risk to the general public is still considered low; most people are protected from measles by being vaccinated or from previous infection.

Through their investigation, Public Health has determined that there has been a public exposure related to this investigation at the following location:

QEII Halifax Infirmary

1840 Bell Rd., Halifax

• Emergency Department on Sunday, September 7 from 10:45 p.m. to Monday, September 8 at 1:20 a.m.

• Diagnostic Imaging (General Imaging and Ultrasound) on Monday, September 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It is important to note that anyone who may have been at an exposure site during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old should contact Public Health immediately (902-481-5824).

• These individuals may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can help prevent measles after being exposed.
• There are two types of PEP: the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which can be given within 72 hours of the last exposure, and immunoglobulin (a protective antibody treatment), which can be given up to 6 days after the last exposure. The type offered depends on a person’s age, health, and vaccination history.
• Because PEP only works for a short time after exposure, MMR vaccine must be given by September 10 or 11 and immunoglobulins must be given by September 13 or 14, depending on date of exposure.

People who were exposed could expect to develop signs and symptoms of measles as early as 7 days and up to 21 days later (September 14 – 28 or 15 – 29, depending on date of exposure).

All those who may have been exposed at these locations and who have the signs and symptoms listed below should:

• Call Public Health at 902-481-5824. Leave a voicemail and please include details of the exposure and signs and symptoms of measles when you call. Public Health will help arrange measles testing and use this information to find others who could be sick and prevent further exposures.
• Isolate in their household while awaiting further direction.

For people with symptoms who might need medical care:

• Call 811 if you have questions about symptoms. A registered nurse can offer advice on whether you or the person you are calling about needs to seek medical care at that time. Please let them know about the exposure so they can provide the best direction.
• If you need to see a healthcare provider for assessment, such as your family doctor, call ahead to make sure they are prepared to see you. Measles is highly contagious and healthcare providers need to take special precautions to protect other patients and themselves from being exposed. 

Symptoms of measles include:



• Fever
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes
• Small white spots may also show up inside the mouth and throat
• A red blotchy rash on the face, which spreads down the body

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets, or airborne spread, when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Most people fully recover within two to three weeks. However, measles can have serious complications, which are more likely in infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.

The best protection against measles is vaccination. In Nova Scotia, every person born after 1970 should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine after their first birthday.

Additional information about measles and how you can get immunized can be found at www.nshealth.ca/measles.