Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has reported a new measles exposure in the area. The exposure happened in the waiting room of the emergency department at Listowel Memorial Hospital, located at 255 Elizabeth St E in Listowel, on Sunday, March 23, between 7:23 p.m. and 10:31 p.m.
Anyone who was at the hospital during this time, born in 1970 or later, and not up to date with their measles vaccinations is asked to contact public health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299. This request applies even if you were there briefly, as measles is highly contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours.
HPPH works to manage confirmed measles cases and trace contacts to reduce the spread. If they cannot reach all exposed individuals, they inform the public about possible community exposure. For more information about measles, including symptoms, vaccination schedules, and details about exposure locations, visit www.hpph.ca/measles. You can also use their Measles Exposure Risk Assessment tool to check your risk.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus can stay active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. While most people recover, measles can lead to complications like diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In rare cases, it can cause brain infections or death.
Symptoms of measles usually appear seven to 21 days after exposure. These include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A red blotchy rash often appears on the face and spreads down the body about three to seven days after symptoms start. In some cases, small white spots may appear inside the mouth and throat.