Public Health Sector On ‘Guarded Level Of Alert’

May 2, 2019

Bermuda’s public health sector is on a ‘guarded level’ of alert due to the ongoing occurrences of measles overseas, and although no cases of measles have been reported in Bermuda since 1990, the threat of a case being imported to the island remains, and residents are advised to know their immune status and be vaccinated against measles.

This is from Chief Medical Officer Dr Cheryl Peek-Ball who said, “Bermuda’s public health sector is on a ‘guarded level’ of alert due to the ongoing occurrences of measles in North America, the Caribbean and Europe. Although no cases of measles have been reported in Bermuda since 1990, the threat of a case being imported to the island remains.

“As a result, the Ministry of Health advises all residents to become informed about the disease, know their risk and take action to prevent this life-threatening, highly contagious disease. Vaccination against the measles virus is the only safe and effective means of preventing the disease.

“All residents are advised to know their immune status and be vaccinated against measles if there is a risk of contracting the disease. Those travelling abroad are particularly encouraged to assure they are immune or to get vaccinated before travel.

“If you have travelled and become unwell with fever and body rash, it is important to inform your healthcare professional of your travel history. If you suspect you have measles, you should seek telephone advice immediately from your healthcare provider before travelling to the healthcare setting. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness that has the potential to spread quickly through the air from infected person to others.

“Individuals born before 1957 are considered to be immune due to high circulation of the measles virus in that era. Individuals born in 1957 or thereafter, and are uncertain whether they have been adequately vaccinated against measles should discuss their risk with their healthcare provider.

“A blood test can determine whether you are immune either due to previous infection or through vaccination. If you are not immune, vaccination against measles offers the best protection. The combined vaccine, MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] is recommended as it is scientifically proven safe and effective against the three components.

“In addition to advising vaccination for all individuals at risk, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with healthcare providers on island to assure that all are on heightened alert to the possibility of measles. A suspected case of measles must be quickly recognized and reported to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit [ESU] for prompt public health action to control the spread. Physicians are reminded to immediately report suspected cases of measles to the nurse epidemiologist jdwilson@gov.bm , 278-6503 or 332-8932.

“If you or your child has not been vaccinated against measles, [MMR vaccine] contact your physician or visit the Child Health Clinic located at the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, Hamilton.”

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  1. Captain Hook says:

    Here we go with the scare tactics. Trying to divert attention away from;
    School closed and no tender out yet to bid on. September is just around the corner.
    Trash once a week pick up
    Buses just not picking up
    Civil unrest in Prison Officers
    Civil unrest in imagination/Customs Officers
    No stimulus package in place before Sommer is over to help with the winter season.
    Push back from failed take overs of both Corporations
    Being put on the Black list
    Just wondering how tolerant will people be when the next big turd hits the fan.