A third case of measles has been confirmed in the Sussex region, one day after an outbreak was declared by Public Health.
The additional case was reported on Tuesday through a dashboard created on Public Health’s website.
Officials have warned that additional cases are possible since the first one was made public last Wednesday.
Public Health said that the first case was believed to be related to another person from outside the province who travelled through the region in late June.
“Measles spreads quickly and easily,” Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health, said in a news release on Monday.
Barker said that with additional confirmed cases and others under investigation, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading further.
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Despite an outbreak being declared, she reaffirmed that the risk remains low for people who are protected.
The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications.
Anyone born in 1970 or later who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine can contact their health-care provider to be immunized.
Eligible adults can receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at pharmacies. People under 18 should visit their public health office or primary care provider.
Children aged six to 11 months are eligible for an early dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine if they are travelling internationally or within Canada to areas with known measles activity.
People should self-monitor for measles symptoms for up to 21 days following a potential exposure, according to Public Health.
Early symptoms may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
