The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has launched a new tool to assess risk and offer further guidance for measles exposure.
The tool is an online self-assessment, asking various questions to help decide what the next steps you should take are. It will tell you if you are eligible for additional vaccination or treatment options. The health unit said those steps can be the difference between a mild and serious illness. It can also make recommendations like contacting the health unit or watching for symptoms for up to seven to 21 days after exposure.
“As a result of our region’s high vaccination rates, the next steps for those exposed to the virus are simple for most,” said Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mehdi Aloosh.
“Things get more complex for those who are unimmunized or under immunized. This new tool will be an asset to those who are unsure if they should be staying home, calling our office, or moving along with their day-to-day lives after being exposed to measles in a community setting. Vaccinate or not, this will provide clear guidance to those who have been exposed and looking for next steps.”
WECHU reminds vaccination is the most effective way to prevent getting measles. Anyone born before 1970 and anyone with two doses of the measles vaccine are considered immune. Anyone who isn’t sure of their vaccine status or who doesn’t have two doses should speak to their healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can contact virtual urgent care or Health811.
The online assessment tool is available here. A full list of exposure locations in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent is available here.
