Child among two known cases of measles in Haldimand-Norfolk

An undated stock image of a virus. (Courtesy: Grand Erie Public Health)

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is investigating a new case of measles, marking the second known instance in the Haldimand-Norfolk area this year.

The latest case involves a child, prompting health officials to issue a public advisory and step up efforts to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease.

In a media release issued on Saturday, GEPH said they have begun tracing potential contacts of the child to identity anyone who may have been exposed.

They stated the child has no recent travel history and the source of the child’s infection is under investigation.

This latest case comes just two weeks after another case was confirmed by the health unit.

On Jan. 10, GEPH stated in a media release that an adult from Haldimand-Norfolk was recovering from the virus at home. They said that the source of his infection is currently unknown.

GEPH is warning that those who may have been in the following areas during these times, could have been exposed to the virus:

• 65 Donly Dr. N., Suite B, Unit 4, Simcoe, Ont., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5 p.m. to clinic close.
• Courtland Old Colony Church on Dec. 29 from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Delhi Community Health Centre Walk-in Clinic on Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Norfolk General Hospital – Emergency Department on Jan. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is asked by GEPH to check their immunization record to confirm they are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV), watch for symptoms of measles regardless of having the vaccine, contact their healthcare provider and do not attend work or school if they suspect they are experiencing measles symptoms.

According to GEPH, measles is an airborne disease spread by breathing in air that contains the measles virus. Measles can live in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with the nose or throat droplets of an infected person. Symptoms to look out for include rashes, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue.

A person can be contagious four days before and after a measles rash appears. Symptoms can start from seven to 21 days after exposure.

There is currently no treatment for measles aside from vaccines, which GEPH say are highly effective in preventing the spread.

“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,” stated Dr. Rebecca Comley, GEPH Acting Medical Officer of Health, in the release.

Anyone in the Haldimand-Norfolk area experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider, or call GEPH’s Haldimand-Norfolk office at 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623 if their family doctor is not available.