News

SIMCOE, MARCH 19, 2015- In light of recent media reports and public inquiries, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit would like to clarify that the confirmed case of measles reported yesterday is in fact a resident of Hamilton working in the Nanticoke area.  Currently, there are no confirmed cases of measles that reside in Haldimand or Norfolk.

The Health Unit is contacting all persons who may have been in contact with the Hamilton case while he was considered infective.  “Fortunately, as we mentioned in our media release yesterday, the worker who tested positive was only working for a very brief time where they were considered infective and able to transmit the virus to others” notes Stacey Guthrie, Infection Control Practitioner for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.  “In addition, it is our current understanding that this individual did not attend other public places within Haldimand and Norfolk and his workplace is one in which the public is restricted access” adds Guthrie.

Persons born prior to 1970 when measles was more prevalent are actually considered immune as they have likely already been exposed to measles.  “Unfortunately, those born during or after 1970 are still susceptible to the virus and should ensure they’ve received 2 doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine” explains Rose Huyge, Vaccine Preventable Disease Team Program Coordinator for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.  “Vaccination is the best protection so we are offering additional free measles vaccination clinics open to the public” added Huyge.  The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s Measles Vaccination clinics including dates, times, locations and phone numbers to book appointments are as follows:

• In the HNHU’s Simcoe office located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe from 12pm to 1pm on March 20th, 23rd and 24th. Call 519-426-6170 Ext. 3223 to book an appointment.
• In the HNHU’s Caledonia office located at 282 Argyle St. S., Caledonia from 1pm to 2pm on March 20th, 23rd and 24th. Call 905-318-5367 Ext. 346 to book an appointment.

Persons unsure of their vaccination status are asked to contact their healthcare provider and/or the Health Unit to see if their vaccination records are on file.

Anyone suspecting that they have been in close contact with someone with measles should ensure their measles vaccination is up-to-date and monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following exposure.  Those born prior to 1970 are still asked to monitor themselves in case there’s a slight chance they did not develop immunity.  Persons should seek medical attention if symptoms become apparent however, it is recommended they call the healthcare provider prior to visiting.  Healthcare providers can then take precautionary measures such a providing the symptomatic client with a mask to wear while visiting to help prevent exposure to other clients and healthcare staff.

For more information regarding measles and measles activity in Haldimand and Norfolk visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website at www.hnhu.org or join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hnhealthunit and Twitter at @HNHealthUnit.

For phone inquiries regarding measles, the public is asked to contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s Measles Hotline at 519426-6170 Ext. 3214 or 905-318-6623 Ext. 3214.

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Media contacts: 

Stacey Guthrie

Infection Control Practitioner

Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit

[email protected]

(519)426-6170 Ext. 3270

Rose Huyge

Vaccine Preventable Disease Team Program Coordinator

Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit

[email protected]

(519)426-6170 Ext. 3259