Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) says it has identified six lab-confirmed cases of measles, meaning the counties it covers are now considered areas of concern for the virus.
Less than a week ago, the health unit confirmed its first case of measles. Since then, five more have been confirmed, with more cases pending lab results.
The health unit says all of its cases are connected to the ongoing outbreak in the Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health regions. HPPH says it is completing case and contact tracing, reaching out to anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
Officials remind the public that the best way to protect against measles is through vaccination, as two doses of measles vaccine is over 97 per cent effective in preventing an infection.
As a result of the health unit being declared an area of concern for measles, the measles vaccine eligibility is now expanded to those who live, work, play, travel to, or worship within the Huron Perth Public Health region.
HPPH will be holding measles vaccine clinics during the week of March break (March 10 to 15) to help families without a healthcare provider get up to date with their immunizations.
Clinic times and locations can be found at www.hpph.ca/measles.
