Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Windsor, Photo by Mark Brown, WindsorNewsToday.ca.Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Windsor, Photo by Mark Brown, WindsorNewsToday.ca.
Windsor

Health unit urges up to date vaccinations before March travel

With March Break approaching, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has urged people who want to travel to have their vaccinations up to date.

The reminder comes as an increase in measles has been reported worldwide, with reported cases in Ontario.

"The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads easily in the air when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes, and then another person breathes in the virus particles in the air, even up to two hours after the person with the infection has left a closed space," read a release from the health unit. "It can also be spread by direct contact with the mucus or saliva of a person with measles."

Symptoms can be present with or without the trademark red and blotchy rash. They include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat.

Residents who aren't sure if they are immune to measles should contact their primary physician and get a shot. Vaccines should ideally be given at least two weeks before departure if possible.

Complete information about measles can be found on the health unit's official website.

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