MLHU issues warning of measles exposure at Victoria Hospital

Victoria Hospital in London, Ont., Feb. 7, 2022/ (Daryl Newcombe / CTV News)

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has issued another community notice about a possible measles exposure.

Between the hours of 10:43 p.m. on Feb. 28, and 1:10 a.m. on Mar. 1, patients in the Adult Emergency Department at Victoria Hospital may have been exposed to a case of measles.

It’s the second notice issued by MLHU this week, with another notice issued on Tuesday. Several other local health units have issued notices in recent weeks as well.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) issued a statement on Thursday afternoon noting that Huron and Perth are now areas of concern for measles, with six lab-confirmed cases present in the region. Health officials say that all cases in Huron Perth were connected to the ongoing outbreak at Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health.

Although in Ontario measles has been rare, due to an uptick in the rate of measles across the globe, Ontario has seen more cases of measles in recent years. Ontario is currently in the midst of a measles outbreak - with a total of 119 cases, and 23 probable cases reported from Jan. 1, to Feb. 26.

Anyone that was exposed should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days.

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red and irritated eyes, small white, grey or blue spots in the mouth, and a red blotchy rash.

If you suspect that you may have measles, it is asked that you self isolate in your home to avoid spreading it to others.

If you require medical attention, make your healthcare provider aware that you may have measles prior to visiting so that they can have appropriate precautions in place.