Important measles update

Ontario is currently experiencing a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak, with over 1000 cases since the outbreak began. Given the current prevalence of measles in Ontario, all dentists are required to take the following actions. 

The College’s IPAC Standard (see pg. 6) requires dental offices to have a written policy for managing patients with suspected febrile respiratory, rash, and eye infections. Since measles is classified as a febrile respiratory infection, dentists must screen patients for signs and symptoms of measles when confirming appointments and upon arrival at the office and reschedule those who are ill.

Symptoms include:  

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Koplik spots – tiny blue-white spots on the buccal mucosa, which may be present in the prodromal period
• Red maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading from head to toe. 

PHO recommends that all health care workers, regardless of immune status, should wear an N95 mask when in contact with a presumptive measles case. 

All suspected cases should immediately be reported to your local public health unit.