The NWT Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) has shared additional details on how to receive care and what to do if you have been exposed to measles.

According to the health authority, if you have been exposed to measles and are not vaccinated, do not go to health centres or public health clinics in-person for non-urgent issues. The NTHSSA stresses to follow those guidelines and call 811 for more information.

"This is essential to help reduce the spread and support Public Health contact tracing," the health authority added.

If you have an emergency, call 911 or your hospital and inform the staff that you鈥檙e unvaccinated and are isolating because you were exposed to measles.

"This allows healthcare providers to take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of further exposure," NTHSSA explains.

The health authority noted that getting a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is common practice in Yellowknife as part of its . 

"If your child received regular check-ups and vaccines at Public Health between ages 0-18 months, they may already be vaccinated with MMR and protected against measles," according to NTHSSA.

You can also check your immunization record by emailing nthssa-yk_publichealthadmin@gov.nt.ca to see your own vaccination record.

There are currently no public pop-up clinics offered to people without known exposure, the health authority states, as its resources are focused on those identified through contact tracing or exposure locations.

NTHSSA Public Health teams are also conducting contact tracing for confirmed measles cases. Its advice for people who have been exposed can vary depending on the situation. 

The authority adds that its efforts might affect the availability of other public health services.

If you start showing symptoms and think you might have measles, the authority encourages you to call 811. If you need an appointment, call your local healthcare provider or public health clinic ahead of time and let them know you may have been exposed.