Robocalls warn of disease exposure in Middlesex-London

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The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is introducing robo calls as a way to notify people of potential exposure to infectious disease.

Starting Friday, in situations where the contact information of people potentially exposed to a disease such as the measles virus is known, they will receive a telephone message from the health unit informing them of the date, time and location of the exposure and guiding them on appropriate next steps.

“Exposure notifications are time sensitive. For those most at risk – people who are unimmunized and those who are immunocompromised - we can offer post-exposure treatment to reduce the risk of serious infection, but they must receive treatment within six days,“ said Director of Environmental Health, Infectious Disease and Clinical Services with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, Omar Ozaldin.

According to the health unit, the use of the automated system allows staff to reach dozens or even hundreds of contacts at the click of a button.

When the calls are made, caller ID will show as coming from the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

If you get a call, you’re asked to listen to the complete message and make note of recommended next steps.

Some recipients will be offered treatment, and others will be asked to monitor for signs and symptoms of the virus they were exposed to.