Nova Scotia’s health authority says there was a measles exposure at a Halifax hospital, as it confirms more cases of the virus in the province.
Nova Scotia Health says there are now a total of 61 cases of measles, directly linked to cases announced in July and August in the Northern Health Zone of the province.
“The new cases continue to be mainly found in large households and specific, small communities with close contact,” read a release from Nova Scotia Health.
The risk to the public is still considered low as most people are protected by vaccination or previous infection, the statement reads.
The potential exposure in Halifax happened at the QEII’s emergency department on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 10:45 p.m. to 1:20 a.m., and at the hospital’s diagnostic imaging area on Monday, Sept. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The health authority said anyone at the exposure sites during those times who is pregnant, immunocompromised or under 12 should immediately get in touch with public health, as they may be eligible to PEP, which can help prevent measles after exposure.
Symptoms of measles including fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes and a red, blotchy rash on the face which spreads down the body. Nova Scotia Health also says small white spots may show up inside the mouth and throat.