Lakelands Public Health is notifying the public about a potential exposure to chickenpox at Peterborough Regional Health Centre earlier this week.
Public health officials say individuals who visited the hospital’s emergency department between 5:38 p.m. on May 11 and 7:56 a.m. on May 12 may have been exposed to the virus.
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue and an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters, typically appearing 14 to 16 days after exposure.
Lakelands Public Health says most people who have had chickenpox or received two doses of the varicella vaccine are protected. However, infants under one year old, pregnant individuals who are not immune, people with weakened immune systems and anyone unvaccinated or never previously infected are at greater risk of severe illness.
Anyone potentially exposed during the identified timeframe is being advised to monitor for symptoms until June 1 or 2, which marks 21 days following exposure.
Health officials say anyone who develops symptoms should stay home, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals and contact a healthcare provider before attending in person. Patients are also being asked to call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care centre or emergency department.
Public health officials note that most healthy adults over the age of 50 have natural immunity due to previous exposure to chickenpox. Residents unsure of their immunity status or concerned about complications are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or Lakelands Public Health for more information.
