Another measles case under investigation in Brantford-Brant

Grand Erie Public Health is reaching out to people who may have been exposed to the measles virus after another probable case was reported in Brantford-Brant.

Officials have only identified them as an adult living in Brant County, who is now recovering at home.

They said there is a connection between this probable case and another infection confirmed by GEPH on Jan. 10. That involved an adult from Haldimand-Norfolk.

On Jan. 18, officials said a child, also from Haldimand-Norfolk, had contracted the measles virus.

There are now two confirmed cases and one probable case in the region.

Locations of possible exposure

In a media release Monday, Grand Erie Public Health said they were reaching out to anyone who may have exposed to the highly contagious illness.

That includes anyone who visited the following locations:

• Tahini’s Brantford – 440 Colborne Street West in Brantford on Jan. 16 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Momoko Snacks Land – 75 Dalhousie Street, Unit# 104 in Brantford on Jan. 16 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• White Horse Bowling – 80 Davis Street East in Simcoe on Jan. 18 between 6:45 p.m. and 11p.m.
• Tillsonburg Old Colony School – 122-216 Goshen Rd. in Eden between the dates of Jan. 9-13 (8 a.m. – 5p.m.)
• Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department on Jan. 14 between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Roulston’s Pharmacy – 65 Donly Dr. N. in Simcoe on Jan. 14 between the 5 p.m. and close.

What you need to know about measles

Measles is an airborne virus that can infect others up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Fatigue

Symptoms usually start 10 days after exposure, though it can also happen anywhere between seven to 21 days.

Those with measles are contagious four days before and four days after a rash appears.

Seeking treatment

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus at the above locations are advised to:

• Monitor for measles symptoms
• Contact your healthcare provider to discuss next steps (inform them of possible exposure prior to arrival)
• Check vaccination records to see if shots are up-to-date
• Those with a weakened immune system (infants, pregnant individuals or anyone unvaccinated) should contact their doctor immediately by phone

If your healthcare provider is not available, patients are advised to contact GEPH at 519-753-4937 (Brantford-Brant office) or 519-426-6170/905-318-6623 (Haldimand-Norfolk office).