Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

Feb. 23, 2024

From:
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

In this Issue:

1. Measles
2. Professional development opportunities

News & Updates

Measles preparedness

In recent weeks there has been an alarming increase in measles cases globally, with four active cases of measles identified in Canada, two of which are in Ontario. Given the dramatic rise in cases worldwide, health system partners in Ontario must be prepared for the continued importation of cases and potential outbreaks.

In consideration of the rise in cases, and anticipated international travel over March break, it's important that all health care providers:

• Support patients in receiving all routine vaccinations (including measles) according to the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario.
  • In advance of any upcoming international travel, patients should be encouraged to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
  • In addition to routine immunizations, the following should be considered for those at higher risk of measles exposure:
    • Infants six to 11 months in age who are travelling to areas with increased measles transmission should be immunized with one dose of MMR. Two additional doses are required on or after the first birthday.
    • Adults 18 years of age or older who have previously received one dose of MMR should receive the second dose if they are health care workers, post-secondary students, planning to travel to areas with increased measles transmission or based on the health care provider’s clinical judgement.
• Communicate with patients that vaccines are highly effective in preventing disease transmission, in light of measles activity and especially in those in communities with low coverage.
• Include measles in differential diagnoses, particularly in returning travellers with respiratory symptoms.
  • Measles is a reportable disease, and any suspected cases should be promptly reported by health care providers to their local public health unit.
  • Suspected measles cases should be placed under airborne precautions and tested. More information can be found at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory Test Information Sheet for Measles.
  • Measles should be suspected in returning travelers with a febrile illness and rash, or other signs and symptoms of measles, particularly in susceptible individuals.

Professional development opportunities

Queen’s Health Sciences Continuing Professional Development has the following opportunities:

Kingston HIV+STI 2024 Symposium:Shaping a World Free of HIV and STI
June 20, 2024

The Kingston HIV/STI 2024 Symposium is a vital platform that brings together professionals and experts in the field to discuss and explore the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the treatment of HIV and STIs. The symposium aims to foster collaborative learning and create awareness about critical issues in health care.

Registration closes June 15, 2024. Learn more at healthsci.queensu.ca/opdes/cpd/kingstonhiv-sti

Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Response to Opioid Crisis

The surge of overdoses and opioid-related deaths in Canada is a national public health crisis. This evidence-based professional development training aims to address gaps in knowledge related to the Canadian opioid crisis.

Learn more at healthsci.queensu.ca/opdes/cpd/educational-programs-opportunities/opioidcrisis

Back to Summary

Contact Information: 

To report communicable diseases:613-966-5500 x349

To report AEFI or DOPHS: Online / Fax: 613-966-1813 or CDCFAX1@hpeph.ca

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

You have received this email at from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health as a result of a request you have made or due to a service/subscription that you are registered for. While you may discontinue your subscription to this mailing at any time by pressing the unsubscribe button below, please note that this bulletin will be used to provide important updates about infectious and communicable disease.