Two more children test positive for measles in Haldimand-Norfolk

An undated stock image of a virus. (Courtesy: Grand Erie Public Health)

Two children are recovering at home after testing positive for measles in the Haldimand-Norfolk area, according to Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH).

GEPH confirmed the cases in a release on Tuesday. They said where the children contracted the infection is still unknown.

According to GEPH, people who were at Walsingham Christian School in Walsingham, Ont. between Jan. 21 to 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. may have been exposed to the virus.

GEPH reports these two additional cases brought the total number of people positive for measles in the Grand Erie Region up to 12.

On Monday, GEPH confirmed the 10th case of measles in the Haldimand-Norfolk area, also contracted by a child. So far, six of those affected with the virus are adults and six are children.

Measles symptoms

Symptoms include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue.

Measles is an airborne disease, and can hang around in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left.

Measles is considered contagious from four days before and four days after a rash appears. Symptoms can start between 7 and 21 days after exposure.

Seeking treatment

Anyone experiencing symptoms, or anyone who believes they may have had contact with an infected person, is advised to:

Monitor for symptoms, even if you’ve been vaccinated

Check your vaccination records to see if your shots (MMR or MMRV) are up-to-date

People with a weakened immune system (including infants under 12 months of age, pregnant individuals or anyone unvaccinated) should contact their doctor immediately by phone

In some cases, patients will be given a post-exposure prophylaxis, a treatment to reduce the risk of infection or serious illness.

If your healthcare provider is not available to see you, patients are asked to contact Grand Erie Public Health at 519-753-4937 (Brantford-Brant office) or 519-426-6170/905-318-6623 (Haldimand-Norfolk office), or Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096.