Public health warns of potential Kingston measles exposures
Southeast Public Health is alerting Kingston residents to possible measles exposures following a confirmed case in the community, encouraging vaccination status verification.
Southeast Public Health has officially confirmed a new case of measles in Kingston, prompting health officials to advise residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are adequately protected. The health unit has explicitly identified three locations within Kingston where potential exposures occurred between February 9 and February 13. These locations include GoodLife Fitness, Queenโs University Kingston Hall, and Metro, where visitors during specified times may have been exposed to the virus.
Health authorities emphasize that individuals who were present at these locations during the noted times should verify their immunization status. Generally, immunity to measles is established through two doses of the measles vaccine or by demonstrating immunity via a lab test. It is noteworthy that individuals born before 1970 are usually considered immune due to the high prevalence of the virus during their formative years, which reinforces the importance of public health measures directed at vaccination and awareness.
To mitigate the spread of the virus, those who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the vaccine are advised to stay isolated at home for 21 days following possible exposure. This precautionary measure is crucial in preventing further transmission within the community as public health officials work to manage the situation effectively and minimize the risk of an outbreak.