1 case of measles confirmed in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is confirming its first case of measles.

Dr. Robert Strang, the chief medical officer of health, told a news conference Tuesday that the patient is an adult in Halifax who recently travelled to the United States. They went to the emergency department at the QEII hospital in Halifax on Sunday night.

"We were well prepared for this," Strang said. "Appropriate steps were taken very quickly when this person came in for care to minimize exposure."

Strang said the patient had one dose of the measles vaccine when they were younger, but did not receive the second. The Health Department said in a news release that "people generally need two [doses] to be fully vaccinated" against measles.

Strang said people should not be alarmed by the situation because measles outbreaks in Canada are largely confined to communities with low rates of vaccine uptake. But he warned that anyone travelling outside the country needs to be cautious.

He said the Halifax patient was in a part of the U.S. that did not have a known outbreak. The person is no longer considered contagious and has been released from hospital.

Strang reiterated Public Health's message that anyone born between 1970 and 1996 needs to ensure they've had a second booster shot. It was once believed that just one dose of vaccine would be enough, but now Public Health said two shots are needed for lifetime immunity.

If someone is unsure of their vaccination status and can't find their records, there's no harm in getting an extra booster, added Strang.

"We know that the measles vaccine is highly, highly effective," he said. "Our best defence against measles is vaccination."

Strang said Public Health's data is outdated, but it estimates vaccination rates among two-year-olds are in the mid-80 per cent.

"Which is good," he said. "For many other vaccines, we'd be happy with that kind of coverage rate. But there are some gaps."

Public Health highly recommends one dose for any infant between six and 11 months old travelling outside of Canada. Nova Scotia's vaccine schedule waits until babies are one year old before they get their first shot, but Strang said infants are at higher risk of the more serious outcomes from measles and they need to be protected.

Strang added the approach to infants may change if the number of cases grows in the province.

It's assumed that those who were born before 1970 have natural immunity after being exposed, but Strang said again, there's no harm in anyone getting a booster.

He said about 2,000 Nova Scotians have received measles shots in the last few weeks.

He emphasized that anyone travelling outside the country needs to make sure they're vaccinated, even if they believe they're going to areas that are safe.

In a news release, Public Health said people who were at the following locations, on the dates and times specified, may have been exposed to measles and should watch for symptoms:

• Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, Lobby (5120 Salter St., Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. AT.
• Banh Mi A & B (6172 Quinpool Rd, Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 2 p.m. AT.
• Marquee Ballroom/Seahorse Tavern/The Local Restaurant and Bar (2037 Gottingen St., Halifax) on Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 p.m. AT to Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 a.m. AT.
• Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department (1840 Bell Rd., Halifax) on Sunday, May 4 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. AT.

It is important to note that anyone who may have been at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department during these times and is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under 12 months should contact Public Health immediately at 902-481-5824.