Measles case confirmed in the Simcoe County, Muskoka area

The telltale red rash appears on a person with measles in this undated file image.

A case of measles has been detected in Simcoe Muskoka.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is cautioning people about an unvaccinated resident who has tested positive for measles.

People who visited these locations may have been exposed to measles on Wednesday, March 12 from 10:55 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 480 Huronia Road in Barrie at:

• Huronia Urgent Care Clinic,
• Georgian Radiology at Huronia Urgent Care Clinic, and
• Eagle Ridge Pharmacy

“Measles is a serious and highly transmittable infection that can cause life-long complications,” says Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of heath.

“Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure we have available, with the risk of measles to those who are vaccinated with two doses being very low, and in the rare case when it does occur among a vaccinated individual, it tends to reduce the severity of symptoms,” he said.

The health unit will be calling people who had booked appointments at Huronia Urgent Care Clinic or Georgian Radiology during those specified times.

Additionally, anyone who visited the Eagle Ridge Pharmacy between 10:55 a.m. to 2 p.m. last Wednesday may have been exposed to measles and is asked to call the health unit at 705-721-7520 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

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People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Possible complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.

The health unit advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus should monitor for signs and symptoms of measles which begin seven to 21 days after exposure.

However, even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever, runny nose, cough
• Drowsiness, and red eyes
• Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present.
• Three to seven days after symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and then spreads down the body.
• People can be infectious four days before and four days after onset of rash.

Additionally, confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). People born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected. Those not protected should contact their health care provider regarding vaccination.

If you develop symptoms:

• Isolate immediately by staying home (do not go to school or work) and avoid contact with others.
• Call before going to going to a clinic or hospital, so they can prepare for your arrival to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
• Wear a well-fitting, high-quality face mask when seeking medical care.