Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has received confirmation that a resident of Simcoe Muskoka has tested positive for measles. The public may have been exposed to measles.
SMDHU advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:
Notify the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit of your exposure by calling Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected. Those not protected against measles with these measures should contact their health care provider or Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 regarding vaccination.
If you develop symptoms, stay home, and do not attend work or school; call your health care provider before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions.
Anyone who was at a location of possible exposure during the identified date and time AND is immunocompromised or unimmunized (including children under the age of one), or pregnant should contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure treatment.
Exposure Sites
The following list are the sites where the public was exposed to the measles virus:
Monday, March 4, 2024: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm: Cookstown Office- Simcoe (2-25 King Street South, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0)
Tuesday, March 5, 2024: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm: Cookstown Office- Simcoe (2-25 King Street South, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0)
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Walmart Supercentre (30 Dunham Drive, Alliston, ON L9R 1V2)
Thursday, March 7, 2024: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm: Queens Medical Health Centre (238 Barrie Street Thornton, Ontario L0L 2N0)
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Sobeys (247 Mill St, Angus, ON L0M 1B2)
Friday, March 8, 2024: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm: Moon Flour Bakery (4 Massey St, Angus, ON L0M 1B0)
11:30 am – 2:30 pm: Freshii (285 Mill St Unit # 3, Angus, ON L0M 1B4)
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Emergency Department (459 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9)
In February, Ontario’s chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, distributed a memo to Ontario health and local public health agencies, expressing that there has been a “dramatic” rise in the number of measles cases globally. Moore also asked all healthcare providers to ensure patients are up to date with vaccinations, to communicate that vaccines are highly effective in preventing disease transmission, and to publicize new cases as soon as possible.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious human respiratory virus as it is spread through the air indoors without needing to be close to someone who is infectious. It can quickly spread among people who are unvaccinated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of measles begin 7 to 21 days after being near someone who has measles and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Small white spots (known as “Koplik’s spots”) appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but not always present.
Then, 3 to 7 days after the start of the symptoms a red, blotchy (maculopapular) rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body. Complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.
If you think you have measles, you should isolate immediately by staying home and avoiding contact with others. It is important that you see your health care provider if you think you may have measles. Your health care provider will assess you for measles and will test you if they suspect you have measles. Call before visiting a clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent the virus from spreading. Wear a well-fitted, mask when seeking medical assessment.
