News

Simcoe, Ont. – Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is investigating an additional confirmed case of measles involving a child from the Haldimand-Norfolk area. The child has no recent travel history, and the source of the infection remains under investigation.

GEPH is currently conducting case and contact tracing with identified contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus through this individual. 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, 2025, between the hours of 5 p.m. to clinic close.

GEPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at this location to do the following:

• Vulnerable individuals with a weakened immune system, including infants and pregnant individuals, 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 immune globulin 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 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.

There is no treatment for measles. Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing the virus’ spread. Children should be immunized with the measles vaccine (MMR) as soon as possible after their first birthday and receive a booster before starting school.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider, or if not available, call GEPH’s Haldimand-Norfolk office at 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623. For more information about measles, please visit our website.

Measles is a serious preventable illness that can impact people of all ages. Receiving two doses of the measles vaccine is the best way we can protect both individuals and vulnerable populations from the disease and its potentially severe outcomes.

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is one of Ontario’s public health units. GEPH formed in January 2025 when the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit merged. We are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities within the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County. Our work is guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, ensuring that our programs and services meet the highest standards of public health practice. We are committed to fostering healthy communities through prevention, education, and health promotion, while working in collaboration with local partners to address the unique needs of our diverse populations.

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