Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed three additional cases of measles in Norfolk County, increasing the total number of cases in the region to 19. The cases include 16 children and three adults, all of whom are recovering at home.
The affected region includes Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Brantford, and Brant County. The source of infection remains under investigation.
Public health authorities have identified several locations where individuals may have been exposed to the virus.
GEPH has confirmed the following sites where individuals may have come into contact with the measles virus:
- Walsingham Christian School, Walsingham – January 20-21 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Houghton Public School, Langton – January 21 (8:30 a.m. – 5:05 p.m.)
- LaSalette Old Colony School, La Salette – January 21-22 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), January 24 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Delhi Community Health Centre Walk-In Clinic – January 23 (4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
- Langton Arena, Langton – January 25 (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital ER – January 25 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.), January 26-27 (10:37 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.)
- Woodstock General Hospital ER – January 27 (10:41 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.)
- Norfolk General Hospital ER, Simcoe – January 27 (9:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Health officials advise that individuals who were present at these locations during the listed times and are not fully vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider or local public health unit.
Since January 1, three additional cases have been reported in Southwestern Ontario, leading to an outbreak declaration in that region.
Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health, said public health officials are tracking individuals who may have been exposed.
“Our infectious disease team is managing cases and following up on potential exposures,” Tran said.
Hospitals and emergency departments across the region have reported measles exposures.
Dr. Malcolm Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health for GEPH, emphasized the importance of immunization.
“One dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides approximately 85 per cent immunity, while two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection,” Lock said.
Measles is an airborne virus that can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, fatigue, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
Health officials are encouraging individuals to check their immunization status, particularly:
- Children who may have missed routine vaccinations
- Pregnant individuals
- Infants under one year of age
- Those with medical conditions that prevent vaccination
Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a hospital or clinic.
“We ask that anyone who suspects exposure or has symptoms call ahead before seeking medical care,” Tran said.
Public health authorities are monitoring the situation and expect additional cases in the coming days, particularly in Haldimand-Norfolk.
“This began as a small cluster, but case numbers are increasing,” Lock said.
Residents seeking more information on measles exposure and immunization can visit:
- Brant County Health Unit: www.bchu.org/measles
- Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit: www.hnhu.org/measles
- Southwestern Public Health: www.swpublichealth.ca/measles
Grand Erie Public Health was established in January 2025 following the merger of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit. The agency is responsible for public health services in Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.
