Five new cases of measles confirmed in Norfolk County

Grand Erie Public Health is confirming five new cases of measles in Norfolk County.

The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in the Grand Erie region, which includes Haldimand, Norfolk County, Brantford and Brant County, to 53. Eight of those cases involve adults while children make up the remaining 45 infections. Of the new cases, three children and two adults are sick.

All the people involved in the latest illnesses are recovering at home.

The Norfolk Hospital at 365 West Street in Simcoe is considered to be a potential exposure site:

Feb. 14 from 9:20 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Feb. 18 from 7:30 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.

Measles symptoms

Symptoms of measles include a fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes and a cough, but it can also cause more serious complications including pneumonia and brain infections, leading to hospitalizations.

Other symptoms can include ear infection, diarrhea, respiratory failure and encephalitis. Long-term complications can include blindness, deafness and brain injuries.