Health Unit Announces New Measles Exposure Sites And Community Immunization Clinics

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has identified additional exposure sites related to the confirmed measles case first reported on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Additional exposure sites on Thursday March 7, 2024 have been identified at 238 Barrie Street Thornton, for the full list of sites at this address please visit SMDHU’s website.

SMDHU advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:

1. Notify the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit of your exposure by calling Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2. Confirm that you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected. Those not protected against measles with these measures should contact their health care provider or Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 regarding vaccination.
3. If you develop symptoms, stay home and do notattend work or school or childcare (including before and after school programs); call your health care provider before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions.
4. Anyone who was at a location of possible exposure during the identified date and time AND is immunocompromised or unimmunized (including children under the age of one), or pregnant should contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure treatment.

SMDHU is also offering measles immunization clinics, by appointment only, at the following locations:  

Friday, March 15

1. Clinic Location: New Tecumseth Recreation Centre, 7300 Industrial Parkway, Alliston

Time: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Appointments can be booked through the health unit’s online booking portal or by calling Health Connection at 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It is recommended that people who are not up to date with their measles immunization receive a dose of the measles (MMR) vaccine including:

1. Infants aged six to 11 months of age who will be travelling to areas with increased measles transmission.
2. Children aged four to six years of age.
3. Children and youth who missed their second dose of MMR vaccine.
4. Adults aged 18 years and older who have previously received one dose of MMR vaccine should receive a second dose if they are health care workers, military personnel, post-secondary students, planning to travel outside of Canada or based on the health care provider’s recommendation.

Adults born before 1970 who are unsure about their immunity should receive a dose if they are health care workers, military personnel, post-secondary students, planning to travel outside of Canada or based on the health care provider’s recommendation. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads easily, particularly to those who are not immune or are vulnerable. Symptoms are cold-like and include cough and fever, sore eyes that may be sensitive to light, a red rash that lasts for up to five days and sometimes small white spots on the inside of the mouth.

For more information about measles, please visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to speak with a public health professional.