11 additional measles cases in Norfolk County

A local health unit is confirming even more measles cases. CTV’s Leighanne Evans lists the latest potential exposure sites.

Grand Erie Public Health said 11 more confirmed measles cases have been reported in Norfolk County.

There are now 48 known measles infections within the area of Haldimand County, Norfolk County, the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. Six of them are adults and 42 are children.

• MORE: Public health urging parents to consider early measles vaccinations

Officials for the health unit said, as of Thursday, one person is in hospital and the others are recovering at home.

They also shared new locations where the public may have been exposed to the measles virus:

• LaSalette Old Colony School on Feb. 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
• Glen Meyer Old Colony School in Langton on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Tim Hortons at the Brantford Hospital on Feb. 10 between 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
• Tim Hortons at the Brantford Hospital on Feb. 11 between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Tim Hortons at the Brantford Hospital on Feb. 12 between 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Measles symptoms

The most common symptoms of measles are a red blotchy rash, fever, cough and red watery eyes.

Patients may also experience other symptoms, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, respiratory failure and encephalitis.

It could also lead to serious complications, such as blindness, deafness or brain injuries.

• MORE: Measles cases climbing in Ontario

Measles is considered a highly contagious illness because the virus remains airborne for hours after the infected person has left, though symptoms may not appear until 7 to 21 days after exposure.

Anyone who believes they may have measles is asked to avoid high-risk settings like doctor’s offices, childcare facilities and hospital emergency rooms. Instead, people are urged to contact their healthcare provider so they can make arrangements that protect both the patient and the public.