News

January 10, 2025

Simcoe, Ont. – Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has received confirmation of a case of measles in an adult resident of Haldimand-Norfolk. The individual is currently recovering at home. The infection source for this individual is unknown at this time.

GEPH is currently investigating and following up with known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus through this individual.

At this time, our investigation has determined that those at the following locations may have been exposed to the measles virus:

• Courtland Old Colony Church on December 29 from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Delhi Community Health Centre Walk-in Clinic on January 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Norfolk General Hospital – Emergency Department on January 5 between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus should do the following:

• Check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure of their vaccination status are asked to check with their healthcare provider. Two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• Watch for symptoms of measles, even if individuals are up to date with the measles vaccine.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up recommendations and should not attend work or school. People who are concerned about symptoms should call their healthcare provider before going to see them, informing them that they may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. The virus is spread easily from person to person – more than 90 per cent of persons exposed at home to a child with measles will catch it.

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.

Quote:

“Measles is a serious illness, but it is preventable. Studies show that the measles vaccine (MMR) is 99 per cent effective in preventing measles after two doses. Measles cases have been on the rise provincially and it is important that our community is aware it is circulating and how to spot it.”

Dr. Rebecca Comley, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Grand Erie Public Health

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is one of Ontario’s regional public health units. We 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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