Renfrew County health unit warns of possible measles exposure in Cobden, Petawawa

The Renfrew County Health Unit says there is a possible risk of measles in Petawawa and Cobden. CTV’s Dylan Dyson reports.

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit is warning of a possible exposure to measles in the communities of Cobden and Petawawa.

The Northeastern Public Health Unit says it has identified two cases of measles in residents from the District of Timiskaming in northern Ontario.

The cases were detected onboard an Ontario Northland Bus that made stops in Cobden and Petawawa.

The potential exposures occurred March 29 between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Veteran’s Park in Cobden; between 12 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on the Ontario Northland Bus; and between 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. at the Pronto location in Petawawa at 3520 Petawawa Blvd.

“The reason why it’s a wider interval is because measles is so contagious that it can stick around in the air or in a room for up to two hours and still be contagious,” said Renfrew County’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jason Morgenstern.

“For the majority of people, it’s very low risk as most individuals have immunity from vaccination.”

Any residents who think they may have been exposed during those times are asked to monitor for symptoms of measles until April 19. Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever, cough, runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Red rash that typically starts on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs

“It can be up to three weeks before measles symptoms show up,” Morgenstern said.

“From this past Saturday, that’s April 19 until people exposed could potentially develop symptoms.”

The health unit says those who have been exposed and develop symptoms should stay home, not attend work or school and contact their healthcare provider.

Renfrew County residents who believe they have been exposed should check their immunization status.

Anyone who has been exposed, was born in 1970 or later, and who does not have 2 doses of measles vaccine should call RCDHU at 613-732-3629 extension 0, or 1-800-267-1097 extension 0.

To date, there have been no reported cases of measles in Renfrew County or the Ottawa region.