No matter where your spring break plans take you, make sure you’re not bringing back an unexpected illness.

The Northern Health Region encourages residents to check on their immunization  status and update vaccines as necessary.

Cases of measles among children have been reported lately and there’s concern that,  due to a decrease in immunization rates since the pandemic, some children may not be protected from this disease.

Measles is very contagious. Over 90% of people who aren't immune to measles and who come into contact with the virus will become infected.

If you're infected, you can spread measles from 4 days before the onset of a rash to 4 days after a rash appears. The measles virus can live up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces in a space where you've been.

To check your immunization status, contact your local public health office weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.