Another confirmed case of measles in Norfolk County

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is confirming another case of measles in Norfolk County as of Wednesday.

GEPH said in a media release Wednesday this new case brings the total up to 22 confirmed cases in the Grand Erie region, with 17 of them being children.

They said everyone who tested positive is recovering at home. The infection source of the new case is unknown. GEPH is investigating and following up with everyone who may have come in contact with the virus through these individuals.

The following locations may have been exposed to the infection:

Teeterville Public School, 229 Teeter St., Teeterville, Ont., Jan. 29 to 31, from 8:50 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.

Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet, 101 Queensway Dr. E., Simcoe, Ont., Jan. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Bethel Baptist Church Master Clubs, 4059 Highway 3 East, Simcoe, Ont., Jan. 29, from 6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Key Bible Club at Teeterville School, 229 Teeter St., Teeterville, Ont. Jan. 30, from 3:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Crossroads Congregational Church Boys Club, 6 Twelfth Concession Rd., Scotland, Ont. Jan. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Norfolk General Hospital, 360 West St., Simcoe, Ont. Feb. 2, from 10:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Measles symptoms

Symptoms include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue.

Measles is an airborne disease, and can hang around in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left.

Measles is considered contagious from four days before and four days after a rash appears. Symptoms can start between 7 and 21 days after exposure.

Seeking treatment

Anyone experiencing symptoms, or anyone who believes they may have had contact with an infected person, is advised to:

Monitor for symptoms, even if you’ve been vaccinated

Check your vaccination records to see if your shots (MMR or MMRV) are up-to-date

People with a weakened immune system (including infants under 12 months of age, pregnant individuals or anyone unvaccinated) should contact their doctor immediately by phone

In some cases, patients will be given a post-exposure prophylaxis, a treatment to reduce the risk of infection or serious illness.

If your healthcare provider is not available to see you, patients are asked to contact Grand Erie Public Health at 519-753-4937 (Brantford-Brant office) or 519-426-6170/905-318-6623 (Haldimand-Norfolk office), or Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096.