Trying to keep Belleville measles free

By Aynslee Darmon

BELLEVILLE – The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Public Health Unit is reminding people to check their immunization records for the measles vaccine.

Bill Sherlock, who is the program manager for the public health unit says there’s been no outbreak of measles in the area so far and he wants it to stay that way.

After small outbreaks in both the Toronto and Niagara area, Sherlock says people may need a reminder to make sure they are vaccinated .

Sherlock says there are other things members of the public can do to help stop the spread of the virus.

In a statement released Wednesday, Public Health Ontario gave an update about measles in Ontario. Health and Long-Term Care Minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins, and Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robin Williams, revealed that there has been eight cases of measles in Ontario in the past two weeks.

Along with Sherlock, both Hoskins and Williams said in the statement the best way to prevent the spread of the virus would be for those who are not already immunized to get the vaccine.

For more information visit the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Public Health Unit website.