Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed an additional case of measles in Norfolk County, bringing the total number of cases in the Grand Erie region to 22.
The outbreak, which includes five adults and 17 children, continues to be monitored as all confirmed cases recover at home.
Health officials are investigating the infection source of the newest case, which remains unknown. Contact tracing is ongoing, and GEPH is following up with individuals who may have been exposed. The investigation has identified additional public locations where exposure to the measles virus may have occurred:
- Teeterville Public School, 229 Teeter St., Teeterville – Jan. 29, 30, and 31, 2025 (8:50 a.m. – 5:10 p.m.)
- Harvey’s/Swiss Chalet, 101 Queensway Dr. E., Simcoe – Jan. 29, 2025 (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
- Bethel Baptist Church Master Clubs, 4059 Highway 3 East, Simcoe – Jan. 29, 2025 (6:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Key Bible Club at Teeterville School, 229 Teeter St., Teeterville – Jan. 30, 2025 (3:10 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
- Crossroads Congregational Church Boys Club, 6 Twelfth Concession Rd., Scotland – Jan. 30, 2025 (6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Norfolk General Hospital, 360 West St., Simcoe – Feb. 2, 2025 (10:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.)
These locations are in addition to previously identified exposure sites, including a family practice office, pharmacies, hotels, and an arena in Simcoe and Newmarket. Individuals who were at these locations during the specified times and are not fully vaccinated are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local public health unit.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the space. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, fatigue, and a rash that spreads from the face downward.
Dr. Malcolm Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health for GEPH, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. One dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides approximately 85% immunity, while two doses offer nearly 100% protection.
Since January 1, 2025, Southwestern Ontario has also reported additional measles cases, leading to an outbreak declaration in that region. Public health officials anticipate further cases in the Grand Erie region, particularly in Haldimand-Norfolk.
For more information about measles symptoms, vaccination, and exposure guidelines, residents can visit www.bchu.org/measles or www.hnhu.org/measles.
