Letters warning of a “confirmed case of measles” were sent to parents of various Yellowknife schools on Sunday evening.
Initially, families at St Patrick High School and Weledeh Catholic School reported receiving an advisory that exposure occurred at St Pat’s – including areas shared with Weledeh – from 8am till 5:40pm on each of April 28, April 30 and May 1.
“All persons present at this venue during the time period are considered to be exposed and must follow public health guidance,” read the letter, issued by the NWT’s chief public health officer, Dr Kami Kandola.
Within minutes, families connected to Sir John Franklin High School reported receiving a similar advisory from Dr Kandola listing exposure at Sir John from 2-4:05pm on May 2.
Measles is a highly transmissible and infectious disease. Cases have been on the rise across North America, in tandem with a drop in vaccination rates.
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“If you think you have been exposed and you are not protected against measles or if you are unsure about your immunization history, you MUST stay at home and contact Yellowknife Public Health for further direction,” Kandola’s letter to St Pat’s parents warned.
More: Read the St Pat’s and Weledeh letter in full
Four separate Yellowknife families confirmed receiving copies of either letter early on Sunday evening.
The NWT government says measles signs and symptoms appear on average 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
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Signs and symptoms typically include fever, a dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a skin rash of large, flat red blotches, usually starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
“I can confirm that through the direction of the Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Kandola, that I authorized a letter to go out to all parents and staff of Weledeh Catholic School and Ecole St. Patrick’s High School regarding measles exposure of a confirmed case,” Yellowknife Catholic Schools superintendent Adam Murray told Cabin Radio by email.
“Parents should read the letter from the Chief Medical Health Officer and take her guidance on this matter. If they have any questions regarding measles they are to call 811 or Yellowknife Public Health at 867 767 9120.
“We are working closely with Public Health and the ECE regarding this matter and the safety and health of our students and staff is of paramount importance to YCS.”
Shirley Zouboules, the YK1 superintendent, said in an email: “I can confirm we are working with the OCPHO. A letter did go to Sir John Franklin Highschool staff and families earlier today. As advised in the released letter, any staff or families with concerns regarding measles should contact the Public Health number provided, 867-767-9120, or if urgent, 811, for guidance.”
