Public Health officials across our province say a contagious illness that was common among children in the 1950’s and ’60’s is making a big comeback.
Huron County Public Health Manager Christina Taylor strongly recommends you to get vaccinated for measles especially if you’re travelling to Europe this summer.
Vaccination levels against measles have dropped to very low levels in some European countries.
Taylor says the measles virus is spreading rapidly throughout Europe largely because of travel and because so many people there are unprotected against it.
Taylor points out that the onset of measles can be compared to a bad cold or the flu.
The first signs are a high fever accompanied by aches and pains, sore eyes and a cough.
The telltale sign of measles — a red rash all over your body — follows within a few days.
Taylor warns the effects of measles can be dire in some isolated cases.
The illness can lead to blindness and deafness.
Measles can even be fatal in rare extreme cases.
Taylor urges you to get immunized against measles if you are travelling and especially if you’re under 40.
She says most people over 40 are likely protected against measles already since they may have contracted the illness as children.
