Health officials have issued a warning about a potential chickenpox exposure in the Emergency Department at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Ontario.
Lakelands Public Health says anyone who visited the ER between 5:39 p.m. on May 11 and 7:56 a.m. on May 12 may have been exposed. Chickenpox, or varicella, is highly contagious.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and an itchy rash with blisters, typically appearing 14 to 16 days after exposure. Officials urge monitoring for symptoms until June 1-2.
Those developing symptoms should isolate, avoid contact with vulnerable people, and call ahead before seeking medical care. Most vaccinated individuals or those who have had chickenpox are protected. High-risk groups include infants under one year, pregnant non-immune individuals, and immunocompromised patients.