With no cases of measles reported since the initial May 2 scare in Yellowknife, the office of the Chief Public Health officer has declared the 21-day monitoring period over, but still advises the best path to peace of mind is to make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated.
A public health notice was issued Thursday announcing the NWT was measles free SA国际影视传媒� at least for now.
"The Government of the Northwest Territories thanks local public health teams and residents for their quick action and participation in response efforts," wrote Andrew Wind, communications manager for the Department of Health and Social Services. "While this situation in the NWT is now considered resolved, measles remains a serious concern across Canada, with cases continuing to rise in several provinces. The risk of measles being brought into the territory by travellers remains high.
"All residents should check their immunization status and make sure vaccinations are up to date before travelling either within Canada or internationally."
Wind notes that infants between six months and a year old should receive an early dosage is travelling to measles infested areas. The two biggest outbreaks are currently in Ontario, with 1,848 cases and Alberta with 509 reported cases. Residents who are considering becoming pregnant who want to be vaccinated must get the vaccine before conception SA国际影视传媒� as the measles vaccine is a "live vaccine" and could be very dangerous for a developing fetus.
He adds that after vaccination, it can take between two to three weeks to develop a robust immunity to the virus, so travellers should make sure they get vaccinated well ahead of their trip.
Children in the NWT are routine immunized from measles at one year and 18 months of age. Children who receive their first shot early will still need a second one by their birthday.
Weledeh Catholic School and St. Pat's High School in Yellowknife were both closed on May 5 after positive measles tests at each school on May 2. A widespread immunization campaign across the school system was completed within 24 hours of the closure.
The NWT Health and Social Services Authority announced May 23 it was planning "pop up clinics" around the territory to help people get immunized, but has yet to announce a date for one.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious disease that can have serious complications for children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one to three weeks after exposure and complications can range from pneumonia to encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, which can lead to seizures, brain damage and even death.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, a cough and runny nose, red and sore eyes and a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. It is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, and can also be transmitted through saliva by kissing. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone coughs and is most contagious before symptoms appear.
