Health officials warn of new exposure to measles on Ontario Northland bus

Health officials with Algoma Public Health say anyone on an Ontario Northland bus May 2 between Barrie and the Sault could have been exposed to the measles.

Anyone who took an Ontario Northland bus May 2 from Barrie to Sault Ste. Marie may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Algoma Public Health said the exposure is connected “to another confirmed case in Central Algoma.”

At risk is anyone who took the Ontario Northland bus that left Barrie at 12:24 p.m. May 2, arriving in Sudbury around 5:10 p.m.

If you were at the Sudbury Ontario Northland bus terminal from 5:10-7:40 p.m., you could have been exposed to the virus.

Highly contagious

The trip then continued from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie, arriving in the Sault at 11:25 p.m. The bus trip also included a stop at the A&W between 8:26-11 p.m.

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air, especially in enclosed spaces like buses and terminals,” the health unit said Tuesday.

“Anyone who travelled on any of these trips, and is susceptible to measles, should monitor for symptoms. If you begin to feel unwell or have questions, please contact your local public health unit for guidance.”

Symptoms usually appear within 7-12 days but can take up to 21 days. In addition to the red, blotchy rash, symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, cough and fever.

“Measles is extremely contagious -- it can spread through the air and remain in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has left,” Dr. John Tuinema, acting medical officer of health, said in the news release.

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“With increased measles activity in Ontario, this case serves as a reminder of how easily the virus can spread.”

Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to measles should contact their health-care provider or the health unit at 705-942-4646, toll-free at 1-866-892-0172.

For information on measles exposure locations in Ontario, click here.