Second potential measles exposure reported in Brantford hospital’s labour and delivery ward

Brantford General Hospital is seen on June 24, 2022. (Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener)

People who were at the Brantford General Hospital’s Labour and Delivery Ward may have been exposed to the measles virus.

For the second time, Grand Erie Public Health Unit is advising about a potential exposure within the ward.

The latest incident happened on June 3 between 7:30 p.m. and 11:06 p.m.

Previously, the health unit warned of a potential exposure on May 26.

Babies can contract measles from their mothers while in utero.

What to know about measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness.

Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death.

It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.