Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed an additional case of measles in the community, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to ten in the Grand Erie region. The newly confirmed case involves a child residing in Haldimand-Norfolk, who is currently recovering at home.
The Grand Erie region, which includes Haldimand County, Norfolk County, the City of Brantford, and the County of Brant, continues to experience an increase in measles cases. GEPH is actively reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus through this latest case.
Potential Public Exposure Locations
Through its investigation, GEPH has identified the following locations, dates, and times where the public may have been exposed to the measles virus:
- Bethel Baptist School, 4059 Highway 3 East, Simcoe: January 20 – 21, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Grey Gretzky Medical Centre, 422 Grey St., Brantford: January 22, 2025, between 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Public Health Recommendations
GEPH is advising individuals who may have been at these locations during the specified times to take the following steps:
- Contact Healthcare Providers if Vulnerable:
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, infants, and pregnant individuals should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
- Higher-risk groups, including infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, and those with compromised immune systems, may be eligible for immune globulin treatment within six days of exposure. This treatment can help prevent or reduce the severity of infection. Individuals are advised to consult their healthcare provider by phone before visiting a clinic.
- Verify Immunization Records:
- Measles can be prevented through vaccination. Individuals should check their immunization records to ensure they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV vaccines).
- In Ontario, two doses of measles-containing vaccine are generally recommended for individuals born in or after 1970, while those born before 1970 are considered naturally immune.
- The Ontario routine immunization schedule includes two doses: the first at 12 months of age and the second between ages 4 to 6. Infants aged 6 to 11 months travelling outside of Canada may receive one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Monitor for Symptoms:
- Individuals should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days following potential exposure, even if they are vaccinated.
- Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and avoid attending work or school. Individuals should call their provider before visiting and inform them of possible exposure.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Common symptoms of measles include:
- Red rash
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Fatigue
A person with measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms typically develop around 10 days after exposure but may appear between 7 to 21 days after contact with the virus. The illness usually lasts for one to two weeks.
Contact Information for Further Assistance
Individuals who believe they may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or GEPH at:
- Brantford-Brant Office: 519-753-4937 ext. 454
- Haldimand-Norfolk Office: 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
For more information, visit www.bchu.org/measles or www.hnhu.org/measles.