Health officials warn of possible exposure to measles at Halifax hospital

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia public health officials warn of potential exposure to measles in a Halifax hospital.

They say that someone went through Halifax and went to the Halifax infirmary on Robie Street on April 17 for non-measles symptoms.

However, they say that this person later developed measles and that it was contagious at the time of their emergency visit to Halifax.

Anyone who visited the Halifax Infirmary's Emergency Department on April 17 from noon to 12:30 pm may have been exposed to measles and develop symptoms by May 8th.

Fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes; a red, spotted rash on the face that extends along the body; drowsiness and irritability; and small white spots inside the mouth and throat.

The disease is spread through direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Most people recover completely within a few weeks, but measles can lead to serious complications, which are more common in infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

New Brunswick public health officials are currently investigating the case in the Saint John area.