Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is investigating an additional confirmed case of measles involving a child from the Haldimand-Norfolk area and a probable case in the Brantford-Brant area.
The child from HN has no recent travel history, and the source of the infection remains under investigation.
GEPH says the public may have been exposed to measles if they attended an after-hours clinic at a family practice office located at 65 Donly Dr. N., Suite B, Unit 4, Simcoe on Tuesday, January 14, between the hours of 5 p.m. to clinic close as well as Roulston’s Pharmacy during the same time.
Additionally, public health is investigating a probable case of measles in the Brantford-Brant area.
The individual is an adult resident of Brant and is currently recovering at home.
Through their investigation, GEPH has determined the public may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations, dates, and times:
- Tahini’s Brantford, 440 Colborne Street West, Brantford on January 16 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Momoko Snacks Land, 75 Dalhousie Street, Unit# 104, Brantford on January 16 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- White Horse Bowling, 80 Davis Street East, Simcoe on January 18 between the hours of 6:45 p.m.- 11p.m.
GEPH is also advising the public about potential risk of exposure to measles at various locations in the Haldimand-Norfolk area related to recent cases.
The public may have been further exposed to measles on:
- Tillsonburg Old Colony School, 122-216 Goshen Rd., Eden, between the dates of January 9-13, 2025, 8 a.m. – 5p.m.
- Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department on January 14, 2025, between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
GEPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at these locations to do the following:
Vulnerable individuals with a weakened immune system, including infants, pregnant individuals, and those who are unvaccinated should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
Individuals at higher risk, including young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, may be eligible to receive a medication called immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. The immunoglobulin can prevent or reduce the severity of an infection. These populations are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider by phone to discuss treatment options prior to attending a clinic for assessment in-person.
Check vaccination records to ensure protection from measles
Individuals should check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status are asked to check with their healthcare provider.
Monitor for symptoms of measles
Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure – even if up to date with their measles vaccinations. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up care and should not attend work or school. Individuals concerned about symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting, ensuring they inform them of possible exposure to measles.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. Measles virus is an airborne disease that is spread simply by breathing in air that contains the measles virus. The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours when a person has coughed or sneezed. It may also be spread by direct contact with the nose or throat droplets of an infected person.
Symptoms of measles include:
- red rash
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red eyes
- fatigue
A person with measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Symptoms may start around 10 days after exposure but can start anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally last for one to two weeks.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider, or if not available, call GEPH:
Brantford-Brant office: 519-753-4937 ext. 454
Haldimand-Norfolk office: 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
For more information about measles, please visit www.bchu.org/measles or www.hnhu.org/measles.