MUHC officials have issued a warning to patients who visited its Glen site over a five-day stretch last month that they may have been exposed to the measles.
In a release, the hospital network said an employee with the virus worked several shifts between March 23 and 27.
“Though the employee in question had limited contact with patients and staff during the incubation period, it is vital that we take all necessary measures to ensure the disease is not spread further within the MUHC,” said Dr. Marie-Astrid Lefebvre, MUHC Infectious Diseases Specialist.
“For the moment, there is no evidence that the disease has been transmitted to other people, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely until the end of the incubation period. In addition, we are reassured that the vast majority of people exposed are most likely immune to the measles virus.”
The MUHC said the employee in question was at the locations listed below. Anyone who was also present at the times listed is asked to check their immunization status.
The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. Anyone who was present at one of the locations and periods listed above, regardless of the length of time spent at the location, may have been exposed to measles.
You are considered protected against measles if:
- You were born before 1970
- You were born in or after 1980 and you have written proof that you have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR)*
- You were born between 1970 and 1979 and you have written proof that you have received 1 dose of measles vaccine (MMR), except for pregnant women (for whom two doses are required)
- You have a medical attestation that you had the disease before January 1, 1996
If you are unable to confirm your immunity or you are not immune and are a patient of the MUHC, you're urged to call 514-934-8007 and leave us your name, phone number, health insurance card number and hospital card number. A nurse will contact you within 24 to 48 hours for a follow-up.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, red eyes, and tiny, white spots in the mouth.