Grey Bruce Public Health has gotten notification of a new laboratory-confirmed case of measles.
The latest confirmed case is related to an unvaccinated child from the region.
They say that they have also found one potential measles exposure link to the case.
The public health organization and Brightshores have been working to contact registered patients who were at an effected emergency department within the measles exposure window.
They say that those who may have been exposed to the virus were at the emergency department in Owen Sound between 4:40 pm on April 20th, and 10:35 am on April 21st.
Anyone who was at the Owen Sound hospital during those times can confirm their vaccination status, and if they’re not already vaccinated against the virus should contact their healthcare provider or Public Health to receive post-exposure treatment within six days of exposure. They can also get a vaccine for protection.
If exposed to the measles, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, which start 7 to 21 days. Symptoms include high fever, a cough, runny nose, sore eyes and sensitivity to light. Three to seven days after exposure, a blotchy red rash appears on the face, then moves down the body, arms, and legs.
If you experience measles symptoms, you should isolate at home and call your healthcare provider. Household members who are not immune should also stay home during this period of time. If medical care is required, call ahead to a healthcare facility before arriving in person to prevent the spread of measles to others.
As of April 23rd, 1,020 cases of measles have been reported across 15 public health units since October 2024.
Adults born before 1970 are presumed to be immune to the virus, as they were likely acquired natural immunity to the measles.
Infants aged 6-11 months, children aged 1-4 years, and adults aged 18 and older may be eligible to receive an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine if they live or will be travelling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak.
