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Halton monitoring measles cases in GTA by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Friday, February 13, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Region's public health officials have reached out to local physicians and hospitals to keep tabs on measles cases being reported in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). "With recent cases in Toronto and also knowledge of the activity in the United States, we did send a medical advisory to all local physicians and hospitals in Halton," said Dr. Monir Taha, Halton's associate medical officer of health,Thursday. The advisory, delivered electronically on Feb. 5, reminded recipients to be mindful of the measles cases, and check immunization status of staff. The MMR vaccine immunizes against measles, mumps and rubella. It's considered to be over 95-per-cent effective. The first dose of the vaccine is given at age 12 months, and the second between the ages of four and six. In 2014, one measles case was reported, down from four the year prior. The Region was also informed last year of a Peel resident who contracted measles and visited healthcare facilities in Halton. "We are continually throughout the year, every day, monitoring infectious diseases, including measles," Taha said. "When a physician suspects measles, or a lab has a measles laboratory result, those are reported to us right away." Those prior cases also generated a "large amount of communication" with healthcare professionals and the public about the risks associated with the spreading of measles, Taha said. "The alertness for measles, especially amongst physicians, is fairly high in Halton," he said. Seven recent measles cases have been reported in the GTA, including one in York Region where a man had not travelled outside Canada and his case is not linked to six others in Toronto. Niagara Region confirmed a case last week. Wednesday , Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins and Ontario's acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robin Williams issued a statement that the Ontario cases showed no sign of being linked to those in the U.S. According to the Province, adults born in 1970 or later require two doses for optimal protection, depending on their age and level of risk. Those born before 1970 are generally presumed to be immune from measles. "Measles is constantly being imported. Measles could crop up at any time because it is still circulating widely in other parts of the world," said Taha. "One should never assume I'm here in Canada, it's not an issue, I don't have to worry," he said. n ow o f f e r i n g P h ys i ot h e r a P y o s t eo Pat h y at h l e t i c t h e r a P y join us! Join us for music, entertainment, treats & fun for the whole family. oakvillesportsmedicinecentre.ca 905 337 8455 open daily Buying? Selling? Re-financing? GOLD Brought to you by the Businesses of Downtown Oakville & the generous support of our sponsors: Call me for a quote at 905-845-0767 ext. 222 1276 Cornwall Road, Unit C, Oakville Ontario, L6J 7W5 www.haxelllaw.com · lawyers@haxelllaw.com T: 905-845-0767 · F: 905-845-5552 Personal Professional Service at Competitive Rates