The following is text of a memorandum to all OPP members issued March 17, 2025. It is reproduced here for the information of our OPPA members and their families.

Measles transmission is impacting multiple areas of the province, with two public health units declaring outbreaks in their regions: Grand Erie Public Health and Southwestern Public Health.

Per Public Health Ontario, measles is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infection. The virus is spread by coming into contact with droplets of an infected person when they have breathed, coughed or sneezed into the air and by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching an infected surface. Symptoms of measles may begin 7 – 21 days after being exposed to an infected person. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, red watery eyes and a cough. Small white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat. Three to seven days after the start of the symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and then continues down the body. It is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until the 5th day from when the rash started. This is the time you are most infectious to other people.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles. For children and most adults born after 1970, this means receiving two doses of measles-containing vaccine (e.g., MMR vaccine). Individuals travelling outside of Canada should ensure they are adequately protected through vaccination prior to travelling. If you have questions about your immunization status, please speak with your primary health care provider or local Public Health Unit. You can also help prevent the spread of measles by washing your hands after coughing, sneezing, and going to the washroom, and before preparing foods or eating. If you do cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. Do not share cigarettes or drink from the same glass, water bottle or straw as others.

Members are reminded of the mandatory e-Learn module on OPPLearn, entitled “Infection Prevention and Control” for all members, which should have been completed. If you have not completed that e-Learn, please do so by the end of March 2025. If you have already completed it, you may wish to revisit it as a refresher.

If you are experiencing symptoms of measles, stay at home, and call your health care provider or local public health unit right away. Before seeking medical attention, be sure to contact your health care provider or the healthcare facility prior to your arrival so that the appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of measles.

For more information, please contact your local Public Health Unit.