Quebec’s Health Ministry issued a statement advising the public of a possibility of exposure to the measles virus in one of several locations in Laval or at Parc Safari.

According to the Health Ministry the possible exposure would have taken place at:

• Centre de la Nature in Laval (St. Vincent pool and the women’s changing rooms) on July 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Jean Coutu, 2065 des Laurentides Boulevard, Laval on July 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Pharmaprix , 768 des Laurentides Boulevard, Laval on July 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• McDonald’s, 2895 de la Concorde Boulevard, East, Laval on July 12 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Parc Safari, Hemmingford, Quebec on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

CBC reported that in total, there have been 18 cases of measles in the province this year, with six of those cases in Laval and seven in Montreal. That compares to only four cases last year and none in 2017.

Read More: Visitors to Carrefour Laval Possibly Exposed to the Measles Virus

Anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus and is not protected is advised to call the INFO-SANTÉ line at 811.

You are considered protected against measles if:

• You have already had a diagnosis of measles confirmed by a doctor;
• You have been vaccinated (eg MMR vaccine, MMR): Your year of birth and the number of required vaccines necessary to be considered protected against measles.
  • 1980 or after 2 doses of vaccine
  • Between 1970 and 1979 1 dose of vaccine
  • Before 1970 No dose of vaccine is needed.
• If you are not considered protected or are unsure. Get vaccinated against measles at the CLSC or at your doctor’s office. This vaccine is free, safe and very effective.
• Until June 14, 2019:
  • avoid contact with people at risk of measles complications (see below) if possible;
  • watch for the signs of the disease.

The following people are at risk for complications:

• Children under one year of age;
• Pregnant women who have not received 2 doses of vaccine and have never had the disease;
• People who have an immune system weakened by disease or treatment.
• If you or a family member is at risk for complications:
• CALL HEALTHCARE at 8-1-1 to be directed to a health facility that will evaluate the need for preventive treatment.

Monitor the onset of measles symptoms up until June 14, 2019

• Measles Symptoms
  • High fever
  • AND
  • Coughing, runny nose or red and watery eyes
  • AND
  • Two to four days later: redness that appears on the face, spreads all over the body and last at least 3 days.
• If you develop these symptoms
  • Stay at home at the first signs of measles, do not wait for the appearance of redness;
  • Avoid contact with people at risk of complications (see above);
  • If you develop redness, consult a doctor;
  • Advise the person who greets you that you think you have measles, ask for a mask and wear it.
• Measles information
  • Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that travels through the air through droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The first symptoms of measles are:
  • high fever;
  • runny nose;
  • cough;
  • conjunctivitis (red eyes);
  • general malaise.
  • Subsequently, redness appears in the face and then on the body.
  • It can take from 7 to 14 (exceptionally up to 21 days) days between exposure to the measles virus and the onset of symptoms. This is called the incubation period. A person begins to be contagious 4 days before the appearance of redness, and it can remain contagious up to 4 days after their appearance. Measles lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

Importance of vaccination

The Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal (DRSP) recalls that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against measles. All people who have never received the measles vaccine or who have never had the disease should also be vaccinated. This is the best way to protect yourself and others.

More information:

• Advice and Prevention – Measles

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