Health units warn about measles exposure in Stratford and new potential exposure locations in Simcoe

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is advising the community of one new measles exposure while Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) advises about new measles exposure locations.

Huron Perth Public Health said the new exposure location is Stratford General Hospital’s emergency room on Sunday, March 9, 2025 – between 11:30 am and 2 p.m.

If you were present at this location during this timeframe, HPPH says to call public health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299.

Less than two weeks ago, HPPH announced its first measles case.

In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune to measles, those born after 1970 should confirm that their vaccines are up to date, with two doses of measles vaccine.

Simcoe exposure locations

Grand Erie Public Health believes exposure to measles could have occurred at the Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department on March 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. or on March 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you were present at the above location at the identified times or you have been exposed to measles elsewhere in the community, GEPH is asking you to complete the measles exposure form.

Earlier this week, GEPH flagged three other potential measles exposure locations.

There have been 82 confirmed cases this year within GEPH’s coverage area, according to the health unit earlier this week. Nineteen on those illnesses involved adults, while the rest were in children.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily through the air, or when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 21 days after exposure and could include a high fever, pain, runny nose, red swollen eyes and cough, followed by a bright red rash.