It’s positive news from the local health unit.
Despite 81 confirmed cases of measles in Ontario reported in January, Huron Perth Public Health has not had a confirmed or probable case since the two health units merged five years ago.
The news isn’t as good for nearby health units, especially Southwestern Public Health (St. Thomas, Elgin, and Oxford Counties); there were 29 reported cases in the region in January, along with one case from the Middlesex London Health Unit.
A statement from HPPH officials said, “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes a febrile rash illness and poses significant health risks, with young children, pregnant persons and people with immune compromise being at highest risk.” It has confirmed that they have completed contact management for one exposure investigation related to a travel-related measles case, and they have also sent out alerts to local healthcare providers to make them aware of the situation.
Health officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated as immunization is still the best protection against measles.